Bihar govt paves way to host international cricket matches in the state

“Now, both national and international cricket matches can be held at this venue,” he said.

The cabinet also sanctioned Rs 574.34 crore for the acquisition of 101 acres of land in Punpun’s Dumri for a major sports complex to “enhance opportunities for large-scale sports competitions and provide advanced training infrastructure for athletes”.

“Bihar has made significant progress in the field of sports, and these facilities will give youth access to better platforms for training and competition,” Chaudhary added.

In another key decision, the government approved a new recruitment mechanism for athletes under the Bihar Exceptional Players Direct Recruitment Rules, 2023. According to officials, the government will recruit 10 Bihar athletes — five men and five women – to government jobs.

The Bihar Cricket Association welcomed the government’s move. At a press conference in Patna, the BCA said the decision would “give Bihar cricket a new identity” by providing international-standard facilities and fostering new cricketers.

Built at a cost of Rs 750 crore, the 90-acre sports complex boasts of having both indoor and outdoor stadiums with facilities to host sports events across 24 disciplines. Meanwhile, the Rajgir international cricket stadium, with a capacity of 40,000 spectators, is expected to be ready by the end of the year and is eventually expected to host domestic as well as international matches.

The stadium and the sports complex is part of the Bihar government’s larger push for sports infrastructure in Bihar.