Mumbai, April 2 (IANS) President of the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) Ajinkya Naik has met Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to advance the development of a world-class cricket stadium in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).

The proposed stadium, with a planned seating capacity of 100,000 spectators, is envisioned to be among the largest cricket venues globally. Designed as a state-of-the-art facility, the project aims to set new benchmarks in sporting infrastructure, fan experience, and integrated urban development.

The strategic initiative was undertaken under the leadership of CM Fadnavis to advance the development of a world-class cricket stadium in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.

Naik also engaged in detailed discussions with Vijay Singhal, Managing Director of CIDCO to chart the roadmap for the landmark infrastructure project.

“This initiative marks a defining moment for Maharashtra’s sporting ecosystem. A 1-lakh-capacity stadium in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region will not only elevate Mumbai cricket but also firmly position Maharashtra on the global sporting map.

“This world-class infrastructure will create unparalleled opportunities for player development, provide critical exposure to emerging talent, and strengthen the cricketing ecosystem across all levels,” Naik said.

This initiative by the Maharashtra CM underscores the state’s forward-looking approach to sports-led development and infrastructure innovation. The stadium is expected to serve as a catalyst for sports tourism, attract marquee international events, and enhance the region’s global sporting footprint.

Positioned as a flagship project for the state, the development aligns with the broader vision of nurturing future talent, strengthening grassroots cricket, and creating world-class platforms for athletes.

In 2025, CM Devendra Fadnavis promised his govt will allot a piece of land to the MCA to build a new stadium in the city which can accommodate 1,00,000 spectators. “Last year, (Amol) Kale (late MCA president) and Ajinkya Naik (MCA president) had come to me with a request that the MCA needed to build one more stadium of minimum 1,00,000-crowd capacity. I’m assuring Ajinkya that if you come with a proposal, the Maharashtra govt will give you an appropriate, good piece of land for MCA to build its own big stadium which can seat 1,00,000 spectators,” he had said during a ceremony in which MCA named a stand each at Wankhede Stadium after Rohit Sharma, Ajit Wadekar and Sharad Pawar.

–IANS

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