PM Modi lays foundation stone for cricket stadium in Varanasi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of the International Cricket Stadium in his parliamentary constituency Varanasi. This project is estimated to have a budget of around £45 million and will have a seating capacity for 30,000 spectators. The stadium's architectural theme draws inspiration from Lord Shiva, with unique features such as crescent-shaped roof covers, floodlights resembling tridents, seating arrangements resembling ghat steps, and metallic sheets on the facade designed in the shape of Bilvipatra.
During the event, PM Modi emphasised that cricket is becoming a global connector for India, with an increasing number of countries showing interest in the sport. He also expressed his unparalleled joy in visiting Kashi (Varanasi). Notable figures in attendance included cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, BCCI president Roger Binny, BCCI secretary Jay Shah, and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
To facilitate the stadium's construction, the Uttar Pradesh government allocated £12.1 million for land acquisition. Media reports suggest that the international-level cricket stadium is expected to be completed by the end of the following year.
"In Varanasi, a stadium is under construction with the help of the Smart City Mission of the Central Government. This is the third International stadium of Uttar Pradesh and the first to be constructed under the supervision of BCCI. It will provide a platform to the cricket enthusiasts of east Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. I would like to thank BCCI and PM Modi for giving this gift to UP," said chief minister Yogi Adityanath.