The state already has an international cricket stadium in Indore. The second one in Gwalior is nearing completion.
Officials of MP Cricket Association (MPCA) said that a BCCI team will arrive for inspection next week. If all goes well, a T20 match between India and Afghanistan could be played on the Gwalior 22 yards.As of now, this match has been given to Indore.
Gwalior stadium to seat 30k at first, 50k in phase 2
The last international match at Gwalior’s Captain Roop Singh Stadium was played between India and South Africa on February 24, 2010. Since then, it has been used for domestic matches only.
After the Holkar stadium was built in Indore, MPCA started work on the Gwalior stadium on around 30 acres of land. This site is situated off the Mumbai-Agra bypass and is about 8km from the city.
MPCA president Abhilash Khandekar said that work on the new stadium is going on a war footing. “Around 90% of the stadium work has been completed. The remaining work will be over soon,” he said.
On the international T20 against Afghanistan, Khandekar said that the venue will be decided by the BCCI. “Indore has got to host the match between India and Afghanistan. We have started preparations. The BCCI team will come after a week to inspect Gwalior stadium. Therefore, it cannot be said yet whether Gwalior will get this match or not. As of now, this match is to be held in Indore,” Khandekar said.
Gwalior Division Cricket Association (GDCA) is hopeful that they may get the opportunity to host an international cricket match after 14 years. The association has left no stone unturned in its preparation.
GDCA president Prashant Mehta said that Gwalior is once again getting ready for a big tournament. “Most of the work has been completed. MPCA is doing a great job here and we are giving full support to the association,” said Mehta.
“The stadium will be completed in two stages. In phase one, it will have a capacity of around 30,000. In phase two, the capacity will be enhanced by another 20,000.”