Lucknow: In a significant development, the city of Kashi is likely to receive a remarkable gift by the end of next year—an international-level cricket stadium. The upcoming stadium, equipped with cutting-edge facilities, will be the first cricket stadium in Uttar Pradesh and is likely to be constructed in record time.

The stadium will be operated by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Under a long-term lease agreement, the BCCI will assume responsibility for the stadium’s operation and management. The board will also contribute a fixed annual amount to the government in exchange for the lease.

The state-of-the-art stadium to be built at the cost of Rs 350 crore

Approximately Rs 350 crore will be spent in the construction of this stadium, which is being built on a wide campus of about 31 acres. The stadium will have a seating capacity of 30,000 spectators.

Cricket talents of MP, Chhattisgarh, Bihar will also be benefited

Kashi’s upcoming cricket stadium is set to become an outstanding center for nurturing the skills of young players not only from Purvanchal but also from neighboring regions, including Bihar, Madhya Pradesh (MP) and Chhattisgarh.

It is worth mentioning that the proposal for a world class cricket stadium in Varanasi, the parliamentary constituency of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has already been there for some time. However, the project could not get off the ground in the absence of a suitable land for its construction. The entire process gained momentum in September 2022 when the cabinet approved a budget of Rs 120 crore for the acquisition of the necessary land. The land was purchased from approximately 31 farmers.

The land has been handed over to UPCA

The land has been handed over to the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA) by the government. Larsen & Toubro (LNT), one of the country’s most renowned organizations in the field of infrastructure, has been made its executive body. Currently, the finalization of the stadium’s design is underway, Once the design and map are approved, construction will start.

This stadium will become a means to enhance talents

“UP is full of talented cricketers. Renowned players such as Suresh Raina, Chinaman Kuldeep Yadav, leg-spinner Piyush Chawla, fast bowler Praveen Kumar and amazing batsman as well as fielder Mohammad Kaif are all from Uttar Pradesh. UP’s cricketers are doing well in IPL and other league matches. The stadium will help in honing the skills of these players along with other talented cricketers. The stadium will be yet another step to realise Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s vision of establishing Uttar Pradesh as a powerhouse in sports, commensurate with its population”

– Dr Navneet Sehgal, Additional Chief Secretary, Sports and Youth Welfare

‘Very happy with the gift of Modi and Yogi’

“I am from Uttar Pradesh. As a cricketer, I am more than happy to see the gift that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath are presenting in the form of International Cricket Stadium. The significance of Kashi, known as Devadhidev Mahadev ki Kashi, holds a special place in our hearts. Everyone wants to visit this cultural city of the country once. The prospect of having an international cricket stadium in Kashi fills every cricketer, both national and international, with excitement. It will be a great centre to nurture talents of players not only from Purvanchal region of UP, but also from Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh. International level coaches, gyms, clubs and pitches will provide them a platform. The advent of Ranji Trophy matches, IPL fixtures, T20 competitions, and Test matches in Kashi will not only elevate the city’s sporting status but also have a profound impact on the hospitality, tourism, and related sectors.
Suresh Raina, international cricketer