After years of fervent requests, the long-awaited vision of having a dedicated cricket ground in Kodagu district is now coming to life. Work has officially started on an international cricket stadium near Palemadu village in the picturesque Madikeri taluk. This is a pivotal moment for the region, which has long hoped for a venue capable of hosting major cricket events.
The district administration has allocated 12 acres for the stadium’s construction, with the project valued at approximately Rs 50 crore. The design will be modeled after the renowned Dharamsala Cricket Stadium in Himachal Pradesh, though it will be slightly larger than Bengaluru’s Chinnaswamy Stadium. The project also involves leveling part of a nearby hill to create a world-class facility.
Despite some local opposition, particularly due to concerns over a nearby graveyard, the project moved forward after mediation by former District Collector Dr. BC Satish. A compromise was reached, designating one acre for the cemetery, while the remaining land is dedicated to the stadium.
The new cricket ground promises to be a game-changer, providing the region with the infrastructure it desperately needs for local sports. It will be a venue for state-level events and beyond, with the potential to host national and international teams. Beyond the cricket pitch, there are calls for the development of an athletics stadium to further elevate Kodagu’s sporting landscape. The stadium is expected to boost tourism, create jobs, and enhance local businesses, making Kodagu a key sporting hub in the coming years.
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