Andhra Pradesh to Build India’s Second-Largest Cricket Stadium in Amaravati
The Andhra Cricket Association (ACA) President and Vijayawada MP, Kesineni Shivanath, announced plans to build the second-largest cricket stadium in India in Amaravati, the capital of Andhra Pradesh. According to Shivanath, the stadium will be constructed within the Sports City area, as suggested by Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu. The proposed stadium will have a seating capacity of 1.25 lakh.
Given the scale of the project, the ACA has requested accessible public transportation facilities around the stadium. Shivanath stated that Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu responded positively to this request. Additionally, Shivanath mentioned that ICC Chairman Jay Shah has also granted approval for the construction of the international cricket stadium in Amaravati.
Discussing the issue of hosting IPL matches in Visakhapatnam, Shivanath said that Delhi Capitals declined to conduct matches there, citing poor stadium conditions. Minister Lokesh intervened and assured them that the stadium would be improved, after which Delhi Capitals agreed to host two matches. Shivanath emphasized that the stadium was successfully revamped within a short period.
He further explained that the original plan was to develop the Mangalagiri stadium as an international cricket stadium. However, due to damage to the construction area, that plan was abandoned. Instead, the Mangalagiri stadium will be prepared for hosting Ranji matches, with plans to hold matches there for 150 days annually.
Additionally, Shivanath announced that cricket academies would be established in Vijayawada, Kadapa, and Vizianagaram. Facilities will also be developed in areas such as Araku, Kuppam, and Kalyandurg. The ACA aims to have cricket grounds in every district headquarters as part of its broader strategy to promote the sport across the state.
