Sourav Ganguly confirms Asia XI vs World XI match at Sardar Patel Cricket Stadium in 2020

Newly-elected BCCI President Sourav Ganguly garnered a lot of attention after organizing the first-ever Day-Night Test in India. Virat Kohli and Co delivered an impressive performance in the pink ball test and steamrolled Bangladesh by clinching the win by an innings and 46 runs. India also swept the two-match series 2-0 to gain a formidable lead at the top of the points table of World Test Championship.

After hosting the Day-Night Test at Eden Gardens, Ganguly had also expressed his desire to make it a regular feature in the upcoming years. Meanwhile, Ganguly has also decided to take another major step towards improving the cricket scenario of the nation. The 47-year-old is set to schedule an exhibition game between Asia XI and World XI at the new Sardar Patel Stadium in Ahmedabad next year.

Sardar Patel Stadium set to be the largest cricket stadium in the world

The encounter will be the inaugural match of the Sardar Patel Stadium, which is expected to be ready in March next year. Built at cost of 700 crores INR, the stadium will be the largest cricket stadium in the world with a massive capacity of 1.10 lakh.

The capacity of the stadium is higher than the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Australia, which can accommodate around 1,00,024 spectators. Australian company Populous, who is also the architect of the MCG, is the primary architect of the Sardar Patel Stadium too.

“The game between Asia XI and World XI will be subjected to ICC’s approval,” said Ganguly as quoted by The Indian Express post BCCI’s annual general body meeting on Sunday. The highly-anticipated clash is expected to involve two star-studded line-ups.

The previous stadium at Motera, which had the capacity of 54,000 was demolished in order to accommodate the new stadium. Built across 64 acres, the Sardar Patel Stadium will boast many distinctive features. The stadium will comprise two academy grounds apart from the main ground and will also have indoor practice facilities. It will also consist of training centres and 55-room clubhouse, Olympic size swimming pool and other sports recreational activities including a 3-D projector theatre.