Telangana plans 1-lakh-capacity cricket stadium in Future City

Telangana is moving ahead with plans for a major new cricket stadium in the Bharat Future City area, with the state government currently scouting for a suitable 100-acre plot. According to official sources, the foundation stone for the project is expected to be laid in December.

The proposed venue is being conceived as a stadium-cum-multipurpose sporting and events complex, with design inspiration drawn from iconic international venues such as Lord's in England and leading stadiums in Australia. The initiative follows directives from Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, who has prioritised the development of world-class sports infrastructure in the Future City.

The stadium is planned to have a seating capacity exceeding one lakh, which would make it one of the largest cricket grounds in the country. Its construction cost is also projected to surpass that of the Ahmedabad stadium. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is expected to bear the construction and maintenance expenses, while the state government will provide the land. A joint development and management framework is being worked out between the two entities.

Beyond cricket, the facility is designed to be flexible, allowing reconfiguration for football matches, large-scale concerts, and other entertainment events. Officials are also exploring the possibility of creating infrastructure capable of hosting events larger than those currently possible at Hyderabad's existing convention centres, potentially positioning the venue as a destination for international sporting fixtures, exhibitions, and cultural gatherings.

The project gains significance given the limitations of the existing Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium at Uppal in accommodating major fixtures associated with global tournaments. The Future City location offers strong connectivity advantages, with proximity to the Outer Ring Road, the proposed Regional Ring Road, the planned metro extension, and Rajiv Gandhi International Airport at Shamshabad.

The stadium is part of a broader state focus on sports infrastructure and physical education, complementing the work of the Young India Physical Education and Sports University, which is collaborating with international institutions to nurture sporting talent and host major events.