World’s largest cricket stadium in India inaugurated; Renamed as ‘Narendra Modi stadium’

The world’s largest cricket stadium in Gujarat’s Ahmedabad was inaugurated by President Ramnath Kovind on Wednesday, February 24, ahead of the third Test between India and England. 

The Motera stadium, which was also known as the ‘Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel stadium’ has now been renamed as ‘Narendra Modi stadium.’ Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju and Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel were also present on the occasion. Claiming that it was not just the largest stadium but also one of the most modern stadiums in the world, Union Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju said, “Not just for cricket but it’s a proud moment for India. Besides being the largest cricket stadium, it’s also one of the most modern stadiums in the world. Ahmedabad is turning out to be the ‘sports city’ of the country.”

Able to hold a capacity of 1,10,000, exceeding the MCG in Australia that can accommodate 90,000 people, the stadium in Ahmedabad comes with four world-class dressing rooms. As per reports, nearly 55,000 spectators (fifty per cent capacity) are expected to be present at the stadium for the much-awaited Pink Ball Test, scheduled to be underway at 2.30 pm. Lauding the stadium, Indian skipper Virat Kohli mentioned in his recent press conference, “We’re proud to have the biggest cricket stadium in the world. The infrastructure is very good and we’re all really excited to play here. Crowd presence does make a big difference. We feel the pressure too when we play abroad. Hoping for good support in the coming Tests.”

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who was the guest of honour at the event, stated, “As CM, he (Modi) used to say Gujaratis must also progress in 2 fields – sports and armed forces. He took charge of GCA on my request and promoted sports here. His vision was that world’s largest cricket stadium be built here. This 1,32,000-seater stadium will be known as Narendra Modi Stadium. Coupled with Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Sports Enclave & Narendra Modi Stadium in Motera, a sports complex will also be built in Naranpura. These 3 will be equipped to host any international sports event. Ahmedabad to be known as the ‘sports city’ of India.”

Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president Sourav Ganguly has praised the facilities and the infrastructure of the Motera Stadium as well. “Will miss being at the stadium today ..what an effort it must have been to create this ..pink test was our dream and it’s going be the 2nd one in india.hope to see full stands like last time. Under the leadership of Honble Prime minister @narendramodi @amitshah,” the former Indian captain wrote in a tweet.