Patna/Rajgir: Bihar will host all three of its home matches in the 2026-27 Ranji Trophy Elite Group at the Rajgir International Cricket Stadium, marking the venue’s debut as a first-class cricket host.
The Bihar Cricket Association (BCA) confirmed that the matches have been shifted from Patna’s Moin-ul-Haq Stadium, which is currently undergoing demolition ahead of a planned redevelopment into an international-standard cricket venue.
Rajgir Gets First-Class Cricket
BCA secretary Ziaul Arfin said the association had sought permission from the Bihar government to stage Ranji Trophy matches in Rajgir.
According to Arfin, the government has approved the use of the stadium’s pitch and pavilion from October to January, allowing Bihar to host all three of its home fixtures at the new venue.
However, spectators will not be permitted inside the stadium as the construction of the spectator stands is yet to be completed.
Bihar’s Home Schedule
Bihar will play three home matches during the Ranji Trophy season:
- October 11: Bihar vs Uttar Pradesh
- October 17: Bihar vs Jammu & Kashmir
- January 24: Bihar vs Vidarbha
The team will once again compete in the Elite Group during the 2026-27 domestic season.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi Could Feature
Arfin said Vaibhav Suryavanshi could represent Bihar in the Ranji Trophy if he is not on international duty with the Indian team during the tournament.
The availability of the young batter will depend on the national team’s schedule.
Built To International Standards
The Rajgir International Cricket Stadium has been developed in accordance with ICC standards, with work on the playing surface being supervised by the BCCI’s chief curator, according to the BCA.
The stadium features 13 pitches, including seven black-soil pitches prepared using soil from Patna and six red-soil pitches made with soil sourced from Mumbai.
Officials said the outfield has been built on a sand base with a modern drainage system designed to make the ground playable within around 30 minutes after heavy rainfall.
The boundary dimensions have been standardised across the venue, with 72-yard straight boundaries and 84-yard square boundaries to ensure consistent playing conditions on all pitches.
Moin-ul-Haq Stadium Under Redevelopment
The shift to Rajgir comes as Patna’s historic Moin-ul-Haq Stadium undergoes redevelopment.
The existing structure is being demolished to make way for a new international-standard stadium.
Officials said the ground will be raised by 6 to 10 feet and equipped with an upgraded drainage system and modern playing infrastructure, replacing the older outfield that often remained waterlogged after rain.
The redevelopment is expected to transform Moin-ul-Haq Stadium into Bihar’s premier international cricket venue in the coming years.
