Patna: December 10, 2024, marked a historic day for Bihar cricket, as the state government and the Bihar Cricket Association (BCA) finalized plans to develop an international-level cricket stadium in Patna.
On Tuesday, the Bihar government officially transferred the land for the iconic Moinul Haque Stadium to the BCA on a long-term lease of 30 years. The transfer, which included a waiver of the Rs. 37 crore land registration fee, signifies a major step in bolstering the state’s cricketing infrastructure.
The agreement was formalized with the signing of land registration papers by Mahendra Kumar, Director of the Sports Department, on behalf of the Bihar government, and Rakesh Kumar Tiwari, President of the BCA. The event was attended by key officials, including Deputy Director of the Sports Department Sanjay Kumar, Patna District Sports Officer Om Prakash, and BCA Secretary Ziaul Afreen.
Speaking after the registration process, BCA President Rakesh Kumar Tiwari announced that the foundation stone for the stadium’s redevelopment would be laid early in the new year, following Kharmas (an auspicious period). He expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Deputy Chief Ministers Samrat Chaudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha, and other state leaders for their support in bringing the project to fruition.
“The Bihar government has fulfilled its part; now, it’s our responsibility to move forward with speed,” Tiwari said. “We are committed to building a world-class stadium within the next two to three years, where the people of Bihar can enjoy international cricket matches.”
Vision for a World-Class Facility
The redevelopment plan for Moinul Haque Stadium envisions transforming it into a state-of-the-art sports complex with a seating capacity of 40,000 spectators. The facility will include 76 corporate boxes, 250 VIP seats, and additional amenities such as badminton and volleyball courts, a swimming pool, a five-star hotel, a fully equipped players’ hostel, a restaurant, and a clubhouse.
This ambitious project follows an MoU signed on November 6 between the Bihar government and the BCA during a grand ceremony attended by prominent figures, including Deputy Chief Ministers Samrat Chaudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha, Urban Development Minister Nitin Naveen, and Sports Minister Surendra Mehta.
The revamped stadium aims to position Bihar as a hub for international cricket, creating opportunities for players and fans alike while enhancing the state’s reputation in the world of sports.
