India and Australia: The 4th ODI could be the last international game at the IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali

The Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) IS Bindra stadium is one of the most iconic cricket grounds in India. The venue hosted 13 Test matches and 18 ODI games thus far starting from 1993. The unforgettable World Cup 2011 semi-final between India and Pakistan was hosted at this venue itself. Apart from this, the World Cup 1996 semi-final was also played here.

But the stadium has gone out of fashion now. It seems to be pretty much old-styled and thus the Punjab Cricket Association has been working on building a new stadium. The existing ground will become a ‘former’ international venue once the new ground is functional. However, that does not imply that the ground will remain idle.

There has been immense competition between Afghanistan and Maldives to use the venue as a training ground. It has got all the facilities required under one roof. Therefore, either of these teams will use these existing amenities to improve upon their game. Unless it gets a Test in the 2019-20 season, there won’t be further international action here.

The new stadium boasts of a seating capacity of 38,000

The new ground that will be functional from next year has got a seating capacity of 38,000 which is 10,000 more than what it is at the IS Bindra Stadium. Even the IPL games next year will be held at this venue. The PCA has been receiving various queries from countries with inadequate infrastructure for cricket on letting them use this stadium.

“We have received a letter from the cricket authorities of Maldives. They want to hold training camps here. Officials from Afghanistan have also spoken to us. Training facilities, ground to play, accommodation and food, everything is available here (IS Bindra Stadium) under one roof. We intend making these available to those interested from next year,” said PCA secretary RP Singla as quoted by New Indian Express. Although it’d non-functional, revenue can still be generated from this stadium.

With the Supreme Court not allowing the BCCI to release as many funds as earlier, state associations have been undergoing a financial crisis. However, the PCA seems to have sufficient funds. Singla said that money isn’t a problem for the association to complete the dream project.

“We had sufficient from the PCA’s share of BCCI revenues before the court passed that order. Money has not been a constraint,” said Singla, informing that the cost is in the region of around 160 crores.

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