Rajkot set to become world's 120th Test venue as India host England in 1st Test

With India and England set to square off at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Ground in Rajkot later this year, it seems quite clear that this is going to become the 120th international Test arena in the world. Moreover, this is also set to become India’s 23rd Test match venue with Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi expected to be in attendance.

Niranjan Shah, the former supremo of the Board of Control for Cricket in India also went on to reveal that the Indian Prime Minister had been invited to the event. The stadium in Rajkot boasts of world class facilities including a few architectural structures from the Lord’s cricket ground including the commentary box as well as a bell to commence the start of play.

Earlier this month, the Holkar Stadium became No. 119 to be inducted into the Test match venues affiliated with the ICC courtesy of the fact that the final Test between India and New Zealand was played at the venue. Besides hosting several ODIs, this magnificent cricket stadium has also been the home ground for the Gujarat Lions in the Indian Premier League.

Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani has been invited by the Saurashtra Cricket Association Secretary, Niranjan Shah to witness this unique landmark of becoming the Test venue.

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“We’ve invited the honourable Prime Minister to grace the special occasion of the first ever Test match in Rajkot and Saurashtra,” SCA supremo Niranjan Shah told mid-day.

“His blessings and good wishes have been an encouragement and inspiration for all of us at SCA. We are eagerly awaiting confirmation of the Prime Minister’s presence during the historic Test match.”

A few sources also go on to reveal that in and around 5000 students will be accommodated on different days of the Test match as a sign of goodwill. A few players who have played for Saurashtra in the past will also be invited to a felicitation ceremony also planned for the same.

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