Overview

With the backdrop of the Dalma Hills and the chimneys of the Tata Steel factories, the Keenan Stadium provides a picturesque setting for cricket. The stadium has been named after John Lawrence Keenan, a former general manager at Tata Steel. Built in 1939 at an estimated cost of just Rs.25,000, the venue made its first-class debut in December that year, when Bihar hosted a Ranji Trophy match against Bengal. Despite hosting first-class matches and warm-up games for the touring teams quite regularly, the Keenan Stadium got its first international game only in 1983-84, when Clive Lloyd's West Indians were on Mission Revenge after being shocked in the World Cup final. This match was famous for a blistering 221-run partnership between Gordon Greenidge and Viv Richards - a second-wicket record for West Indies - as both repeatedly blasted the ball beyond the small ground and into the street outside. The ground also has a reputation for a firm pitch and a superb, lush-green outfield, but what hasn't been so endearing to visiting teams is the behaviour of the crowd here - more than one game has been temporarily disrupted due to their unruly behaviour.
S Rajesh