Good news for Varanasi cricket fans. The dream project of PM Modi, the International Cricket Stadium, has had 75% of the work completed. It is expected that the work will be fully completed by December this year. The international stadium is full of modern sports infrastructure with religious architecture inspired by Lord Shiva.
Stadium Inspired by Lord Shiva
The Varanasi International Cricket Stadium, with a seating capacity of 30,000, is being built in Gajari village, Raja Talab tehsil. It is about 22 km from the city’s ghats. The Rs 452-crore project began in September 2023 when PM Narendra Modi, the local MP, laid its foundation stone.
Shiva-Themed Design and Modern Features
The stadium’s design takes inspiration from Hindu mythology. A crescent-shaped roof represents the moon on Lord Shiva’s head. The media centre looks like a ‘damru’ (drum), and the floodlights resemble tridents. The seating reflects the steps of Kashi’s ghats, while the walls will carry ‘bael patra’ patterns.
BCCI vice president Rajeev Shukla said, “With Shiva-inspired architecture and solar-powered design, this stadium shows how Indian cricket venues can be modern, sustainable, and culturally rooted.”
Diverse Pitches and Training Facilities
The playing field will have 18 pitches, four red-soil, three black-soil, and two mixed, similar to those at Ekana and Narendra Modi stadiums. These varieties will provide different playing conditions for cricketers.
The stadium complex will also include dormitories that can accommodate 100 trainees for a planned cricket academy.
Officials added that a “fast drainage system” will reduce delays. The ground can be prepared for play within 30 minutes of heavy rain.
Early IPL Matches Possible
L&T is building the stadium and plans to finish by December 2025. However, talks are going on to host Indian Premier League (IPL) matches here as early as next season.
With this project, Varanasi, a city famous for spirituality, will soon host cricket fans in a venue where heritage and sport meet.
