The JSCA International Stadium Complex (including an indoor cricket facility, a tennis academy, club house etc.), was built in two years time at a cost of about 140 crores.
Jharkhand's major contribution to Indian cricket so far has been M. S. Dhoni. Following in the footsteps of the Indian captain, a few other youngsters like Saurabh Tiwary and fast bowler Varun Aaron are striving to make it big on the international stage.
Cricket in the state is growing up fast — both in terms of producing quality players as well as building a robust administration (since the Jharkhand State Cricket Association (JSCA) is one of the youngest units in the country).
If Dhoni has inspired the cricket loving population of the low-profile State to chase a dream with optimism, the JSCA administration has made some enthusiastic progress as far as managing the sport and building infrastructure is concerned. The result is the construction of a new state-of-the-art cricket stadium in Ranchi. The State, which has been boasting of the Keenan Stadium (belonging to the Tatas in Jamshedpur) as the only cricketing venue till recently, is now the proud owner of the “best stadium” in the country.
The JSCA stadium is all set to get the status of an international venue. “We will be delighted to host an international match at our own stadium,” JSCA president Amitabh Choudhary said.
The project, the JSCA International Stadium Complex (including an indoor cricket facility, a tennis academy, club house etc.), was built in two years time at a cost of about 140 crores.
The main cricket arena has a seating capacity of around 35,000 and 76 corporate boxes. The two pavilions, North and South, have five viewing levels each and include VVIP areas, members' enclosure, donors' enclosure, president's box, the BCCI box and two large dressing rooms with separate dining spaces. It has boxes for commentators, ICC officials and umpires as well. The media centre has the capacity to accommodate 250 scribes.
The complex has 35 guest rooms as well as a club with all the modern facilities. The stadium has been constructed in a manner that no shadow falls on any of the nine pitches in the middle before 4.45 p.m. even on the shortest day of the year — December 22. The second ground, inside the complex itself, has five main pitches. Besides, it has eight practice pitches.
Two turf hills, East and West, give the spectators a rare experience of enjoying cricket from the grassy hills.
The stadium is situated within the city of Ranchi and is only a 10-minute drive from the airport and 25 minutes from a five-star hotel. It is connected by a four-lane road.
Having organised a Ranji Trophy match, the JSCA officials are hoping to conduct an international game in the arena soon.
Y. B. Sarangi
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