The newly-built Shrimant Madhavrao Scindia Cricket Stadium in Gwalior, currently with a capacity of 30,000, is poised to expand to 55,000 in the future. Situated on the outskirts of the city, the stadium, which took seven years to complete, will make its international debut by hosting the first T20 match between India and Bangladesh. Gwalior’s last international match was held in 2010 at the Captain Roop Singh Stadium, where Sachin Tendulkar scored the first-ever double century in ODIs.
Prashant Mehta, president of the Gwalior Division Cricket Association (GDCA), shared that the stadium is in its first phase, with plans for the second phase to begin as soon as funds are secured. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), under Jay Shah, has promised Rs 110 crore to complete the second phase, which will increase the stadium’s capacity to 55,000.
Despite the modern facilities and a top-class drainage system, Mehta acknowledged that the area surrounding the stadium requires improvements after recent flooding due to heavy rain. This is the second major stadium owned by the Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association (MPCA), following the Holkar Stadium in Indore, which has already hosted several Test matches.
Mehta expressed confidence that Gwalior will eventually host Test matches as well, stating that the passion for cricket in the region is immense. He recounted how 25,000 people attended the Madhya Pradesh League final with an additional 20,000 fans outside the stadium, demonstrating the strong local interest in the sport.
