Patna: Ranji Trophy matches are scheduled to be played at the newly constructed Rajgir cricket stadium from the next domestic season. Officials said the decision to begin with domestic fixtures is aimed at scientifically assessing the behaviour of the pitch and outfield before the venue is considered for international or Indian Premier League matches. The stadium, built to international standards in the historic town of Rajgir, is nearing completion, with only minor drainage work remaining.
According to Devilal, chief pitch curator at Patna’s Moin-ul-Haq Stadium, grass-and-sand layering has been used to ensure effective drainage and year-round playability. Data collected during Ranji Trophy and other domestic matches will be used to analyse bounce, spin, seam movement and outfield speed under local climatic conditions.
Cricket administrators said such testing is essential before hosting international fixtures. “It is risky to stage global matches at a new venue without understanding how the pitch behaves over time,” Devilal said, adding that the findings would guide the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in making its final assessment.
The Bihar Cricket Association (BCA) expects the stadium to be formally handed over by March or April. Its secretary, Zia-ul-Arfin, said the successful organisation of Ranji Trophy matches could pave the way for IPL games and international fixtures in the future.
Spread across approximately 18 acres, the stadium has a seating capacity of 45,000 and features facilities such as a gymnasium, physiotherapy and medical centres, corporate suites, commentary boxes and camera decks. The pitch has been prepared under the supervision of the BCCI’s chief curator.
Officials believe the venue could transform Bihar’s presence in Indian cricket, offering young players exposure to high-quality facilities and positioning the state as a potential host for major cricketing events.
