The largest cricket stadium, with space for 110,000 spectators, is taking place in India and is likely to host its first international match next year in 2020. The Ahmedabad stadium has a budget of approximately $ 100 million, will have more fans than Australia’s Melbourne Cricket stadium, which can seat around 100,000 spectators.
According to the news, its first match will be held at the Sardar Patel Stadium in March as the opening match of an exhibition game between Asia XI and World XI.
The stadium will be having more than 70 corporate boxes, four dressing rooms, a clubhouse, and an Olympic-sized swimming pool. Its construction started in January 2017.
It will overtake Eden Gardens in Kolkata, currently India’s largest stadium with a capacity of 66,000 – down from 100,000 after a major reconstruction project.
Recently, Eden Gardens hosted the first day-night Test in India.
The prestigious stadium was packed for the second Test between India and Bangladesh on occasion, and many celebrities ranging from former cricketers, athletes from other sports and politicians were present on occasion.
Along with Ganguly, former India ally Sachin Tendulkar, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and several dignitaries from the BCCI and CAB were present.
Apart from cricket on occasion, athletes from other sports include tennis star Sania Mirza, badminton world champion PV Sindhu; boxing celebrated MC Mary Kom.
India is the world’s top-ranked Test team with more than a dozen stadiums capable of hosting international cricket matches. Test matches, however, often attract sparse crowds.
The Cricket Stadium will not only be for major local and international cricket matches but also community use.
A community indoor cricket academy will be located under the podium in the stadium, which will have a hostel for 40 athletes, which will allow students from India and around the world to participate.
The academy also has six indoor practice pitches and three outdoor practice areas.
Once completed, the stadium will become a prestigious sports venue for both aspiring and elite players. It will become one of the world’s greatest cricket stadiums, putting the Gujarat Cricket Association on the global sports map.
