JAIPUR: Vedanta’s Hindustan Zinc Limited (HZL) Thursday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA) for the development of the world’s third largest cricket stadium in the village Chonp in Jaipur.
Vedanta’s HZL will spend Rs 300 crore on the stadium, one of the largest corporate investments in India’s sports infrastructure. The stadium will be named “Anil Agarwal International Cricket Stadium, Jaipur”.
The MoU was signed by RCA secretary Bhawani Shankar Samota and Arun Misra, CEO, HZL, in the presence of Dr CP Joshi, Speaker, Rajasthan Vidhan Sabha and chief patron, RCA; Ms Priya Agarwal Hebbar, chairperson, HZL and non-executive director, Vedanta Ltd. and RCA president Vaibhav Gehlot.
The stadium facilities will be spread across 100 acres and have a seating capacity of more than 75,000. Only Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium and the Melbourne Cricket Ground have larger seating capacity than this stadium. In terms of the size of playing field area, this stadium will be largest in the world.
Vedanta chairman Anil Agarwal shared his vision for the stadium, stating, “Sport gives us the best life lessons in leadership, teamwork, competition and hunger to succeed. If India’s youth participate wholeheartedly with energy and passion – nurtured by world class infrastructure – they will become an unbeatable talent pool. Vedanta dedicates this stadium and its facilities to new India. Let’s play.”
Agarwal Hebbar noted, “We are proud and privileged to have the opportunity to set up this world-class facility which will benefit players and spectators. India has huge potential as a sporting nation. Vedanta and HZL are committed to creating a best-in-class enabling environment for the flourishing of our country’s talent and interest in sports.”
The stadium will be completed in phases. A 40,000 capacity facility is set to be completed by October. The overall project of first phase will cost Rs 400 crores, out of which Rs 300 crores will be borne by HZL and the remaining Rs 100 crores will be taken care of by RCA. The stadium will have an indoor games facility, training centers for other sports, a clubhouse, and parking for 3,500 vehicles.
The Anil Agarwal International Cricket Stadium will host national and international matches, including games of the Indian Premier League. The stadium and its facilities will help the development of Rajasthan as a major hub for cricket and other sports.
Some highlights of the new stadium are:-
A WORLD CLASS INFRASTRUCTURE AS PER BCCI AND INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS
· Biggest cricket playing field in the world.
· One of the world’s biggest cricket stadiums with a seating capacity of 75,000. (2nd largest in India and 3rd largest in the world)
· Spread over 100 acres (4,04,685 sqm) biggest playing area.
· Well connected via Delhi-Jaipur Express Highway.
· Offers ample activity space.
· 11 match-level pitches besides practice pitches.
· Two separate practice grounds with small pavilion areas.
· Four dressing rooms for players so that back-to-back games can be played on the same day.
· Two podium concourses at different levels at the stadium periphery for smooth movement of spectators and services.
· Grand pedestrian entry – ramps and stairs for smooth entry and exits.
· Ample parking.
· 38 VIP corporate suites.
· 36 VVIP corporate suites.
· One presidential suite.
· 4 RCA suites.
· 2000 premium corporate seats.
· VIP function/banquet and dining space of 1900 sqm.
· 415 seats for broadcasters and commentators.
· 340 seating capacity for media.
· 280 wheelchair seats as per green guide for disability.
B. World class cricket training academy with residential facilities. It will have two practice ground with 5 pitches each. In addition, there will be 20 indoor pitches for outdoor net practice. A small pavilion and gym for players will also be set up.
C. Five-star hotel and convention centre.
D. Club house with indoor sports facilities and sports outlets.
