MCA starts process for new stadium in Navi Mumbai with 1 lakh capacity

MUMBAI: The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) has initiated the process of acquiring land for a new stadium in Navi Mumbai, with a proposed capacity of 1,00,000. MCA president Ajinkya Naik recently met CIDCO MD Vijay Singh, and the association is optimistic about securing a suitable land parcel soon.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!While land had initially been identified in Aamne near Thane, it is now understood that the proposed stadium will come up near the Navi Mumbai International Airport. “A cricket stadium near the Navi Mumbai airport will be convenient for all,” a source said. Navi Mumbai already has an international venue — the DY Patil Stadium, which has a capacity of around 46,000 and hosted the semifinal and final of the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup.

However, it is privately owned by former MCA president and educationist Vijay Patil, and not by the MCA.Calling the project a landmark step, Naik said, “This initiative marks a defining moment for Maharashtra’s sporting ecosystem. A 1 lakh-capacity stadium in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region will not only elevate Mumbai cricket but also firmly position Maharashtra on the global sporting map.“This world-class infrastructure will create unparalleled opportunities for player development, provide critical exposure to emerging talent, and strengthen the cricketing ecosystem across all levels.”

At present, only the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad has a capacity of around one lakh spectators — in fact, it can accommodate more than that. Naik is expected to meet Devendra Fadnavis soon to push for faster clearances.Mumbai currently relies on the Wankhede Stadium for international and domestic matches, but its capacity of 33,108 falls short of meeting demand in a city of its size.In May 2025, while inaugurating stands named after Ajit Wadekar, Rohit Sharma and Sharad Pawar at the Wankhede Stadium, Fadnavis had assured the MCA of land for a new stadium.