Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for a new international cricket stadium set to be built in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.
The stadium, which is expected to be completed by December 2025, will be the third of its kind in Uttar Pradesh, following those in Kanpur and Lucknow. PM Modi was joined by former India captains Sachin Tendulkar, Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev at the event, alongside BCCI President Roger Binny and honorary secretary Jay Shah.
The stadium is being developed in Ganjari, Rajatalab, Varanasi, at a cost of Rs 451 crores. The Uttar Pradesh government has spent Rs 121 crores on land acquisition, while the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will spend Rs 330 crores on the stadium’s construction.
Speaking after laying the foundation stone, PM Modi said the stadium will be a blessing for the youth of Purvanchal. The stadium will be given on a long-term lease to the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA).
“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,” said Modi.
The stadium will have a seating capacity of 30,000 spectators and will feature seven pitches, practice nets, lounges, a commentator’s box, a media centre, and a large hostel. The design of the stadium will reflect the rich heritage of Varanasi and elements related to Lord Shiva, with a crescent-shaped dome, trident-shaped floodlights, and a spectators’ gallery resembling the steps of the ghats of Varanasi.
Once completed, it will not only provide a state-of-the-art venue for international cricket matches but also boost the local economy and tourism in Varanasi. This project represents a significant investment in the future of cricket in Uttar Pradesh.
