23rd September 2023,Mumbai: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to make history as he lays the foundation stone for the International Cricket Stadium in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, this Saturday afternoon. The event is set to be a star-studded affair, with legendary cricketers like Sachin Tendulkar, Ravi Shastri, Sunil Gavaskar, and Dilip Vengsarkar gracing the occasion.
A Monu”ental Investment
The Uttar Pradesh government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, has spared no expense in acquiring the land for this grand endeavor. An impressive ₹121 crores have been allocated for land acquisition alone. However, this is just the tip of the iceberg, as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is committed to investing ₹330 crores in the construction of the stadium.
Cricket Icons Unite
On the eve of the foundation stone laying ceremony, former Indian cricket team head coach Ravi Shastri took to social media, expressing his excitement about the event. His tweet read, “Varanasi bound. Great to be amongst Greats and colleagues for Mumbai and India. Just a few international runs and wickets there. Pic of a lifetime. Gr8 memories.” Shastri’s enthusiasm is shared by cricket enthusiasts nationwide as they eagerly anticipate the realization of this ambitious project.
A Divine Inspiration
The stadium’s design is nothing short of spectacular, drawing inspiration from the revered deity Lord Shiva. The architects have incorporated elements reminiscent of Lord Shiva’s symbolism, including crescent-shaped roof covers, trident-shaped floodlights, ghat steps-based seating arrangements, and Bilvipatra-shaped metallic sheets on the façade. These elements pay homage to the spiritual significance of Varanasi while creating a unique and awe-inspiring sporting venue. With a seating capacity of 30,000 spectators, this stadium is poised to become a symbol of both cricketing excellence and cultural heritage.
A Star-Studded Affair
The foundation stone laying ceremony will not only witness the presence of iconic cricketers like Tendulkar, Gavaskar, Shastri, and Vengsarkar but will also host prominent figures from the BCCI. President Roger Binny, Vice President Rajiv Shukla, and Secretary Jay Shah are among the key dignitaries expected to grace the occasion. The event promises to be a memorable gathering of cricketing legends and administrative authorities, symbolizing the unity and passion that cricket brings to India.
A gathering of Legends
Moreover, the foundation stone laying ceremony is expected to be a magnet for other veteran cricketers who have left an indelible mark on the sport. The prospect of seeing these legends in one place, celebrating the beginning of this cricketing journey, is undoubtedly a thrilling prospect for fans and cricket enthusiasts alike.
Uttar Pradesh’s Cricketing Renaissance
This new stadium in Varanasi represents a significant step in Uttar Pradesh’s emergence as a cricketing powerhouse. With Kanpur and Lucknow already boasting international cricket stadiums, this addition marks a crucial milestone for the state. It not only provides a platform for the people of Uttar Pradesh to witness top-tier cricketing action but also encourages the development of budding talent in the region.
The foundation stone laying ceremony of the International Cricket Stadium in Varanasi is more than just the beginning of a construction project; it’s a testament to India’s love for cricket and its rich cultural tapestry. As the grand vision takes shape, it is poised to become a hallowed ground where legends will be made and memories will be etched in the annals of Indian cricketing history. The stadium promises to be a symbol of unity, passion, and the enduring spirit of the sport, bringing together cricket enthusiasts from all corners of the country. As the sun sets on this historic day, one can’t help but marvel at the magic that is cricket and its power to unite a nation.
-by Kashvi Gala