Former RS member bats for cricket stadium in city

Former Rajya Sabha Member Shwait Malik has met Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya with a request of setting up an international cricket stadium in the city.

The proposal that was mooted by politicians several years ago has now reached the Centre. Malik said Amritsar was not only a thriving trade and tourism hub, but also a city with a rich cricketing legacy. The city has produced legendary international cricketers like Mohinder Amarnath, Bishen Singh Bedi and Madan Lal, besides Harvinder Singh. The city had hosted international matches till 1995. Despite promises by top politicians and BCCI officials over the years, no concrete action has been taken towards setting up an international stadium in the city.

The proposed stadium should be developed on a suitable site near the city or on outskirts, with a seating capacity of at least one lakh spectators. Given that Amritsar attracts over one lakh visitors daily from across the country and abroad, the proposed facility would serve as a premier sports venue, besides giving a significant boost to tourism and economy.

Amritsar is one of India’s top tourist destinations and an international cricket stadium would attract sports enthusiasts, besides boosting local economy through hospitality, retail and associated industries. It will also bolster employment and investment opportunities, besides enhancing the city’s infrastructure and growth prospects.

As the city already has global connectivity through Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport, which is felicitating direct flights to major Indian and global cities, Amritsar is well-positioned to host international tournaments.

Besides promoting cricket, the proposed stadium would revitalise cricketing talent in the Majha region, providing aspiring players with world-class training facilities and competitive exposure.

Malik who had remained Mayor of the city said the people of Amritsar and Punjab had been waiting for this overdue sports infrastructure, which would be a landmark achievement for the region.

For the last one decade local politicians in power had been promising to upgrade infrastructure at Gandhi Ground, the only cricket ground in Amritsar, to enable it host at least IPL matches if not international ties. However, it had turned out to be mere lip-service. The ground had hosted several international tournaments in the past, but the failure of authorities concerned to ensure timely upgrade had rendered it unsuitable for hosting even first class cricket matches.

The last international match played at Gandhi Ground was between India and New Zealand in 1995. Established in 1932 with a donation from Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala and the then Punjab Government, the ground is spread over 22 acres. The first notable match played here was between the India XI and the MCC in 1933. The Indian cricket team was led by Maharaja Bhupinder Singh, while famous players Lala Amarnath, Col CK Nayudu and Surjit Singh Majithia were also part of the squad.

The ground had hosted several international matches, including those against West Indies, Australia, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and England. The Indian cricket team played against Sri Lanka in 1983. The North Zone cricket team played against the West Indies in 1984. India versus World XI and India versus New Zealand matches were played here in 1995.