DDCA planning to build new cricket stadium near Dwarka

International cricket in Delhi will soon find a new home after the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) revealed its plan to build a new stadium between Dwarka and Najafgarh, close to former India opener Virender Sehwag‘s residence.

DDCA has also promised to work towards ensuring better facilities, better connectivity with the airport and does not cause traffic issues when high profile international matches are on. There are also around 5,500 hotel rooms available near the airport, a huge convenience for outstation fans.

According to Ravinder Manchanda, the treasurer, association officials are already in talks with the ministry of urban development – headed by Venkaiah Naidu – over the process of identifying and acquiring the 10 acres or so of land required. The project is expected to be finished by 2020.

“DDCA will have a new stadium near Dwarka. Talks are on and we are going to start the project after identifying the land,” Manchanda told TOI on Tuesday (May 17).

DDCA has a budget of Rs 150 crore for the stadium which is expected to accommodate 50,000 people. The DDCA is also planning to request its share of subsidies from the Indian cricket board (BCCI) for the past three years, amounting to nearly Rs 60 crore to further fund the project.

“Money won’t be much of an issue because we will make a proper team to assess every aspect,” Manchanda added.

According, BCCI sources, The Delhi board will have to shell out minimum Rs 250 crore to build the new stadium.

“We are working hard to make DDCA the model cricket association in the country, with the best facilities for players. We have more supporters than detractors. We shall not disappoint them,” said DDCA’s cricket operations head Siddharth Verma.