Xtra Time Web Desk: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the foundation stone-laying ceremony for an international cricket stadium in Varanasi, his parliamentary constituency. The event witnessed the presence of former Indian cricket legends, including Sachin Tendulkar, Kapil Dev, Ravi Shastri, Sunil Gavaskar, and Dilip Vengsarkar. Notable cricket personalities like BCCI President Roger Binny, Vice President Rajiv Shukla, and Secretary Jay Shah were also in attendance, alongside Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
The Uttar Pradesh government allocated ₹121 crore for land acquisition, while the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to invest ₹330 crore in the stadium’s construction. Located near the Ring Road in Rajatalab, the stadium is projected to be completed by December 2025. Its unique design draws inspiration from Varanasi’s iconic ghats and Lord Shiva, featuring crescent-shaped roof canopies, trident-shaped floodlights, seating resembling ghat steps, and metallic sheets shaped like Bilvipatra.
This stadium marks Uttar Pradesh’s third international cricket venue, alongside Kanpur and Lucknow. With a seating capacity of up to 30,000 spectators, it promises to become a significant sporting and cultural landmark in the region. The joint effort between the UP government and the BCCI underscores the commitment to fostering cricketing excellence and infrastructure development in India.