Cricket returns to the heart of Andhra: APL fever grips Mangalagiri as thousands pack ACA stadium

Vijayawada: For cricket lovers in the Vijayawada-Guntur region, it is more than just another domestic tournament — it’s the return of live cricket to their doorstep after decades. The Andhra Premier League (APL), being played under floodlights at the ACA International Cricket Stadium in Mangalagiri, has transformed the Amaravati region into a buzzing cricket hub, drawing thousands of enthusiastic fans every evening.Many spectators say they waited years for an opportunity to watch live cricket without travelling to Hyderabad or Visakhapatnam. The last major international match in the region was played at Vijayawada’s Indira Gandhi Stadium in the 1990s. “We grew up watching cricket only on television. Today, we can finally experience the thrill inside a stadium with our families. It feels like a festival,” said SK Nagoor, a cricket fan from Guntur.The tournament has attracted spectators not only from Vijayawada and Guntur but also from Bapatla, Ongole, Eluru and nearby districts. Free entry has further boosted attendance, with weekend matches witnessing packed stands and long queues outside the stadium.Interestingly, most of the players are relatively unknown youngsters. Yet that has done little to dampen the atmosphere. Every boundary, towering six and wicket is greeted with thunderous applause, whistles and chants from the crowd, creating an IPL-like environment.

“We may not know every player, but good cricket is enough for us. Every six sends the crowd into celebration,” said M Tanuja, another spectator.Adding to the spectacle are the floodlit evening matches and cool weather accompanied by light drizzles, making the stadium experience even more memorable for fans.However, several visitors complained that food and beverage stalls inside the stadium were charging unusually high prices, urging organisers to regulate the rates.Expressing delight over the overwhelming response, Andhra Cricket Association President and Vijayawada MP Kesineni Sivanath (Chinni) said the turnout exceeded expectations. “The incredible support from fans has boosted the confidence of our young cricketers. Encouraged by this response, we plan to host more domestic tournaments here and hope to bring even bigger cricket leagues to Mangalagiri in the future,” he said.