The largest cricket stadium in the world, the Narendra Modi Stadium, can be found in India. However, there is another surprise in store for cricket lovers: a Varanasi stadium with a lord Shiva motif.

On September 23, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lay the cornerstone for a Rs 450 crore international cricket facility in Varanasi's Ganjari neighbourhood.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India and the UPCA will be actively participating in the foundation stone-laying ceremony, which is expected to draw a large crowd of famous cricketers.

Lord Shiva's fortunate theme

The Lord Shiva motif is planned for the new Varanasi stadium, and the design leaks are stunning. The media building will have a damru shape to depict the rhythms of the universe, which are always rising and falling, and the floodlights at the stadium will have a trishul shape to honour Lord Shiva, with the classic ‘ghat-style’ spectator seats. The stadium will have 30,000 audience seats and ultra-modern amenities.

Divisional Commissioner Kaushal Raj Sharma stated: “Preparations at Ganjari are being started for the proposed visit of the Prime Minister to lay the foundation stone of the cricket stadium on September 23. It will be a grand show as apart from BCCI office-bearers, star cricketers are also likely to take part in the ceremony. Best performers of the ongoing Kashi Saansad Sanskritik Mahotsav will perform at the proposed ceremony and prizes will be distributed among the winners of this Mahotsav there. Sportsmen from Varanasi and adjoining districts will be invited to attend the event.

L&T has almost finalised the design and drawing of the proposed stadium and further action on it including approval from UPCA followed by seeking no-objection certificates from forest and ground water and other departments will be started soon. On the demand of UPCA, consultants to complete formalities for seeking NOCs from VDA and UPPCB have also been arranged.

Preparation of a 3D model and detailing of the project would be completed soon, after which L&T would start the process of levelling the acquired land and constructing the boundary wall."

State funding for the grand stadium in Varanasi

Land for this project was purchased by the state government for Rs 120 crore, the stadium will be built for a cost of Rs. 330 crores.

The 30,000-seat international cricket stadium will be ready to host international cricket matches after the Rs 450 crore renovation is finished.

The commissioner announced that work would soon begin on building roads and other infrastructure close to the anticipated stadium.

The construction of the new stadium is a significant development for cricket in Uttar Pradesh, and it is likely to attract major international and domestic matches to the city. It will also boost the local economy and generate employment opportunities.

Prime Minister Modi's visit to Varanasi to lay the foundation stone of the new stadium is also significant, as it shows the government's commitment to developing sports infrastructure in the country. Modi is a big fan of cricket, and he has often spoken about the importance of sports in promoting fitness and discipline among the youth.

The foundation stone laying ceremony is expected to be a grand event, with the participation of several star cricketers and other dignitaries. It is sure to be a memorable day for the people of Varanasi and for cricket lovers all over the country.

Notably, Varanasi's stadium would be the first in the Purvanchal region and the third stadium overall in the state of Uttar Pradesh after Green Park in Kanpur and Ekana Stadium in Lucknow.

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