The Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium, the third-largest cricket stadium in India in terms of seating capacity, is set for a revamp in the near future as it aspires to host Test matches after the Chhattisgarh government leased it out to the state cricket association for 30 years.
In a cabinet decision on Friday, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai handed over the management of the stadium in New Raipur to the Chhattisgarh State Cricket Sangh (CSCS), a private body recognised by the BCCI.
So far, the stadium has hosted six IPL matches, an ODI, and an international T20, in addition to the Chhattisgarh Premier League. “We will make the ground hi-tech and upgrade it in line with the norms of the BCCI. We are planning to construct a gym, a swimming pool and a better seating arrangement for the crowd,” CSCS director Baldeo Singh Bhatia said.
“We have also sourced red soil from Maharashtra to make a spin-friendly wicket. We have wickets that favour pacers. We will also renovate the ground and ensure it gets a better BCCI ranking and is selected to host Test matches,” CSCS director Vijay Shah said.
The stadium was built in 2008, but has been unable to generate adequate revenue despite the government spending crores to maintain it. The stadium will now be upgraded and maintained by CSCS, which will regularly hold tournaments, trials, training camps and major domestic fixtures.
The state hopes the move will enhance Chhattisgarh’s national identity, boost sports tourism, and put Raipur on the map as a cricketing hub.
The cricket body will pay Rs 1.5 crore annually to the government with an increment every three years. A fee of Rs 20 lakh for international matches and Rs 30 lakh for an IPL match will also be given to the government, which too will increase every three years.
