Related Articles
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah laid the foundation stone for an international cricket stadium in Tumakuru on Monday, December 2. The new venue, located approximately 70 kilometers from Bengaluru, aims to complement the state’s economic growth while enhancing sports development in the region.
This project marks a significant step in expanding cricketing infrastructure in Karnataka, which currently relies heavily on Bengaluru’s iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium for hosting international matches.
Details of the Stadium Project
- Land Allocation: 50 acres of land near Sorekunte has been allocated to the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) by the Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB).
- Estimated Cost: The state-of-the-art facility is expected to cost around ₹150 crore.
- Timeline: The project is anticipated to be completed within the next couple of years.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah emphasized the importance of the stadium in boosting Tumakuru’s economy and fostering sports talent in the district.
“We have given 50 acres of land to KSCA for the construction of an international cricket stadium. This will complement the economic growth and sports progress of the Tumakuru district. I have instructed them to complete the stadium’s construction as soon as possible and fulfill the expectations of cricket lovers,” Siddaramaiah shared on his social media.
Expansion Plans Across Karnataka
The Tumakuru stadium isn’t the only cricket infrastructure initiative underway in Karnataka. Earlier this year, the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) handed over 20.8 acres to the KSCA for another proposed international cricket stadium in Mysuru. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah confirmed that the government is committed to supporting similar projects across the state.
“We will provide land in Mysuru too,” Siddaramaiah said, reiterating the government’s focus on decentralizing cricket and promoting tier-two cities.
IPL and Tier-Two Cities
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has shown interest in distributing Indian Premier League (IPL) matches beyond Bengaluru to tier-two cities like Mysuru, Hubballi-Dharwad, and Belagavi. BCCI President Roger Binny highlighted the importance of making IPL matches more accessible across Karnataka.
The Chinnaswamy Stadium, with a seating capacity of 40,000, remains an iconic venue but lags behind other international stadiums in capacity.
India’s Lead in Cricket Infrastructure
India holds the record for the highest number of international cricket venues, with 54 stadiums hosting matches. This is significantly higher than Australia and England, which each have 23 international venues, making India a global leader in cricket infrastructure.
With projects like the Tumakuru and Mysuru stadiums, Karnataka is set to further strengthen its contribution to Indian cricket.
