Home
In a move that amplifies India's commitment to sports and heritage, Prime Minister Narendra Modi layed the foundation stone of a modern international cricket stadium in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. The project, scheduled for completion by December 2025, cements Uttar Pradesh's growing stature in the cricketing world, adding to its existing cricket arenas in Kanpur and Lucknow.
The grand inauguration witnessed a confluence of cricketing legends and administrators. Joining PM Modi were iconic former India captains Sachin Tendulkar, Sunil Gavaskar, and Kapil Dev. The BCCI's top brass, including its President Roger Binny and honorary secretary Jay Shah, also graced the occasion, underlining the significance of the event.
Nestled in Ganjari, Rajatalab, Varanasi, this ambitious venture comes with a price tag of Rs 451 crores. Breaking down the investment, the Uttar Pradesh government has channeled Rs 121 crores for land acquisition. In contrast, the apex cricketing body, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), is injecting Rs 330 crores towards the stadium's state-of-the-art construction.
Post the foundation stone ceremony, PM Modi highlighted the broader implications of this new infrastructure. He voiced, "Today, the foundation stone for an international cricket stadium in Varanasi was laid. This is going to be a blessing for the youth of Purvanchal. The whole world is getting connected with India through cricket. New countries are now coming forward to play cricket." The administration plans to bestow the stadium's long-term lease on the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA).
More than just a sports venue, the stadium aspires to be a synthesis of modernity and tradition. With a seating potential for 30,000 fans, the facility is poised to house seven cricket pitches, dedicated practice nets, plush lounges, a specialized commentator’s box, a comprehensive media centre, and an expansive hostel for players.
What stands out is its design philosophy that reverberates with Varanasi's deep-rooted cultural ethos. The stadium will showcase a crescent-shaped dome, trident-shaped floodlights symbolizing Lord Shiva, and a spectators' gallery that mirrors the iconic steps or ghats of Varanasi.
Once the stadium graces Varanasi's skyline, it is not just cricket enthusiasts who stand to gain. The local economy, intertwined with the tourism sector, is set for a substantial boost. With this development, Varanasi and by extension, Uttar Pradesh, embarks on a new chapter, intertwining the future of cricket with the time-honored traditions of the region.
MORE ON SPORTS TAK:
Gautam Gambhir names one player likely to 'set ODI World Cup on fire' and it's not Virat, Rohit, Stokes or Afridi
'Ranking doesn't matter': Gautam Gambhir's clear-cut message for Team India ahead of ODI World Cup
