Ultimate Guide to Varanasi Cricket Stadium Capacity & Opening Date

The foundation stone for the new International Varanasi Cricket Stadium was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 23, 2023. The Varanasi cricket stadium budget is approx.  ₹450 crores, is set to be completed by December 2025.

The upcoming International Cricket Stadium in Varanasi is not just a sports venue but also a tribute to the city’s deep connection with Lord Shiva. Varanasi Cricket Stadium Opening date is by December 2025.

Varanasi International Cricket Stadium: An Overview

Varanasi Cricket Stadium Capacity

This stadium will be Uttar Pradesh’s third international cricket stadium, after Kanpur and Lucknow. It will have a seating capacity of 30,000 spectators.

What makes this stadium stand out is its unique Lord Shiva theme. The architectural design includes:

• Trident-shaped floodlights (symbolizing Lord Shiva’s Trishul)
• Crescent-shaped roof covers (inspired by the moon on Lord Shiva’s head)
• Belpatra-shaped metallic sheets on the facade (sacred leaves offered to Lord Shiva)
• Ghat-style seating arrangement (resembling the steps of Varanasi’s iconic ghats)

The Shiva-inspired elements in the stadium, such as the Trishul-shaped floodlights and the Bilva Patra designs, have garnered significant attention for their creativity and cultural symbolism.

Once completed, the Varanasi Cricket Stadium will not only serve as a venue for international cricket but also celebrate the rich heritage of the city and its spiritual connection to Lord Shiva.

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Varanasi: The Abode of Lord Shiva

Varanasi, situated on the banks of the Ganges River in Uttar Pradesh, is known as the “City of Temples”, with around 2,000 temples.

According to Hindu mythology, the city was founded by Lord Shiva, one of the three principal deities in Hinduism alongside Brahma and Vishnu. It is believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.

• The Pandavas from the Mahabharata are said to have visited Varanasi to seek Lord Shiva’s blessings and atone for their sins during the Kurukshetra War.
• Hindus believe that dying in Varanasi brings salvation and freedom from the cycle of birth and rebirth.

The Shiva-themed stadium not only honors Varanasi’s cultural heritage but also celebrates its spiritual significance, making it a unique addition to the city’s legacy.

Varanasi Cricket Stadium Location

The stadium is being built in Varanasi’s Rajatalab area, near the Ring Road, at an estimated cost of ₹450 crores. The Uttar Pradesh government has spent ₹121 crores to acquire the land, while the BCCI will contribute ₹330 crores for the construction.

The stadium, spread over 30 acres, will feature a spectators’ gallery designed to resemble the steps of Varanasi’s iconic ghats. Its theme is inspired by Lord Shiva, the city’s spiritual symbol.

The Varanasi Cricket Stadium, currently under construction, is expected to be completed by 2025. According to reports, it is likely to host at least one match during the T20 World Cup in 2026, which will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.

T20 World Cup

The stadium would be ready well ahead of the T20 World Cup. Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for this project in September last year.

Once completed, this will be Uttar Pradesh’s third international cricket stadium, after Green Park Stadium in Kanpur and the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Stadium in Lucknow. Notably, the Ekana Stadium hosted five matches during the 2023 ODI World Cup, while Kanpur’s Green Park Stadium has previously hosted World Cup matches in 1987 and 1996.