Upcoming two IPL matches in Visakhapatnam this month would be a matter of pride for the city: MP Sivanath

ACA-VDCA Stadium Ready to Host International Cricket Matches: ACA President & MP Kesineni Sivanath (Chinni)

Planning and Preparedness Meet at ACA-VDCA Stadium

MP Kesineni Addresses the Media | Meeting with BCCI, Delhi Capitals, and Visakhapatnam District Collector Harendhira Prasad

Visakhapatnam: Andhra Cricket Association (ACA) President and Vijayawada MP Kesineni Sivanath (Chinni) stated that the upcoming two IPL matches in Visakhapatnam this month would be a matter of pride for the city. To discuss match preparations and modernization efforts, a Planning and Preparedness Meet was held at the ACA-VDCA Stadium on Tuesday. After the meeting, the officials reviewed the stadium's ongoing renovation works. Adding a lighter moment to the event, MP Kesineni and Visakhapatnam City Police Commissioner Shankha Batra Bagchi picked up bats and played cricket for a while on the ground.

During the Planning and Preparedness Meet, MP Kesineni Sivanath expressed his gratitude to the BCCI and the GMR Group, owners of Delhi Capitals, for supporting the venue and choosing the ACA-VDCA Stadium as their home ground for IPL 2024. He confirmed that the stadium will host two major matches: Delhi Capitals vs Lucknow Super Giants on March 24 and Delhi Capitals vs Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 30. He mentioned that securing Delhi Capitals’ agreement to play in Visakhapatnam was challenging, as they initially raised concerns over floodlight issues and the absence of corporate boxes. However, these matters were swiftly addressed, and the stadium was upgraded to international standards within just two months.

Cricket's immense popularity in India has driven nationwide stadium modernization efforts, and Visakhapatnam's ACA-VDCA Stadium has undergone several key upgrades. Dressing rooms and other facilities have been modernized, 250 new toilets have been installed, and the entire ground has been fitted with LED floodlights at a cost of ₹9.5 crore. In total, ₹40 crore has been invested in stadium renovations. MP Kesineni stated that this investment is expected to be recovered within 2.5 years. Additionally, Phase 2 renovations will further enhance the stadium, making it one of the best cricket venues in the country.

The BCCI has assured ACA that if the stadium continues to meet international standards, it will receive more opportunities to host major matches. A high-level meeting took place on Tuesday morning, where representatives from BCCI, Delhi Capitals, Visakhapatnam District Collector Harendhira Prasad, government officials, and ACA Apex Body members discussed strategies to ensure a seamless match experience without any obstacles. MP Kesineni also remarked that the NDA government is working to bring Andhra Pradesh back on track after the setbacks of the previous administration, affirming ACA’s commitment to supporting the state government’s initiatives.

Visakhapatnam City Police Commissioner Shankha Batra Bagchi assured that comprehensive security measures will be in place to protect both players and spectators, ensuring a smooth event. The program saw the presence of DCP Ajith Vejendla, Delhi Capitals representatives Siddharth and Gautam, BCCI official Abhay, ACA Secretary and Rajya Sabha MP Sana Satish, ACA Vice President Venkatarama Prashanth, ACA Treasurer Dandumudi Srinivas, and Councillor Dantu Gauru Vishnutej, along with several leaders from the Visakhapatnam District Cricket Association.

With all preparations finalized, Visakhapatnam is set to witness thrilling IPL action this March.