Maharashtra is gearing up to make a significant advancement in global-standard sports infrastructure, with the state government supporting the construction of a massive cricket stadium with a seating capacity of 100,000 in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). This ambitious project will come under the authority of the Mumbai Cricket Association and is expected to greatly enhance the state’s existing sports facilities. The initiative follows a key meeting between MCA president Ajinkya Naik and CIDCO managing director Vijay Singhal, during which they discussed the overall roadmap for what is expected to become one of the largest cricket stadiums in the world.
Naik revealed that the proposed stadium will be built in the rapidly developing Navi Mumbai area, which he described as an ideal location for such a large-scale project. “Navi Mumbai is an upcoming, rapidly developing area with excellent connectivity and proximity to the airport. It’s the perfect place to build a world-class stadium of this capacity," he said. He further explained that construction will only begin after detailed preparation. “Work on the stadium should start after six months. We need a six-month window for process, planning and design before implementation," Naik told CNN-News18, emphasizing the importance of setting new standards.
After completion, the stadium is set to become the second-largest cricket venue in India, following the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, which currently holds the record as the world’s largest cricket stadium with a seating capacity of around 132,000. The addition of another large venue in the Mumbai region, which already includes iconic grounds such as Wankhede Stadium, Brabourne Stadium, and DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, is expected to significantly boost the city’s ability to host major international matches and tournaments. Naik stated that the project could transform Maharashtra’s sporting landscape in the coming years.
Officials associated with the project believe that the new stadium will play a crucial role in increasing sports tourism, attracting global sporting events, and supporting the growth of grassroots cricket, particularly in the expanding regions of Navi Mumbai. With initial planning already in progress, the project is being regarded as one of the most ambitious sporting initiatives undertaken by Maharashtra in recent times. It reflects a long-term vision aimed at building world-class infrastructure and strengthening the state’s position as a competitive force in the international sports arena while creating opportunities for future generations.