The Maharashtra government has started steps to build a new cricket stadium in or near Mumbai with a capacity for one lakh spectators. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis made the announcement on May 16, saying he would provide land to the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) for the new venue.
Within five days of the announcement, on May 21, Vikas Kharge, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister, wrote to the Urban Development Department to begin the process immediately, as reported by Mid-day.
The report also said that the Directorate of Sports and Youth Services received an official letter on June 5 asking the department to complete the required formalities.
The idea was shared during a ceremony hosted by the MCA at Wankhede Stadium, where stands were named after India captain Rohit Sharma, former captain Ajit Wadekar, and cricket administrator Sharad Pawar.
At the event, Fadnavis said the demand for cricket facilities was rising. He said that former MCA president Amol Kale and current president Ajinkya Naik had earlier approached him with the proposal.
LIVE | 'Stand Naming Ceremony at Wankhede Stadium'
— Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) May 16, 2025
🕠 5.41pm | 16-5-2025📍Mumbai.@MumbaiCricAssoc#Maharashtra #Mumbai #WankhedeStadium https://t.co/ExUvlQ42NJ
Fadnavis said, “In four years, MCA will celebrate its 100th anniversary and we should make an effort to build a new stadium by then.” Fadnavis said the new stadium should be ready by 2030. The stadium will be designed on the lines of Wankhede Stadium.
Fadnavis also shared a personal moment at the event, remembering his friendship with the late Amol Kale. He said Kale had always supported the idea of a second large stadium in the Mumbai region.
The new stadium is expected to host international matches and offer better facilities to fans. MCA President Ajinkya Naik welcomed the announcement.
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