Mangaluru: The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) has sought 50 acres of government land in Mangaluru to develop modern cricket infrastructure, including a proposed Centre of Excellence aimed at nurturing young players from Dakshina Kannada and neighbouring districts.

KSCA president B.K. Venkatesh Prasad made the request in a letter to Mangaluru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) chairman Santosh Kumar Shetty on October 1. The association has proposed that the land be allotted either through outright purchase or a 50-year lease at concessional rates applicable to educational and sports institutions.

The proposal comes days after discussions between KSCA officials and MUDA over the possibility of developing an international-standard cricket stadium in Mangaluru. MUDA has indicated that two sites have already been identified for consideration.

KSCA requests 50 acres from MUDA

In the letter, Venkatesh Prasad said Mangaluru, as the headquarters of Dakshina Kannada district, requires adequate cricket infrastructure and facilities to support emerging talent.

The KSCA has offered to invest in the proposed project and develop the facility in phases after the land is allotted and possession is handed over.

The association has requested the government to consider either a purchase arrangement or a long-term lease. For either option, it has sought rates similar to those generally offered to educational and sports organisations.

The land request is currently a proposal, and the allotment process would have to be completed by the relevant government authorities before construction can begin.

Proposed Centre of Excellence for cricket

The proposed facility is intended to function as a Centre of Excellence for cricket in coastal Karnataka.

According to the KSCA, the complex would provide quality playing and training facilities for young cricketers from Mangaluru, Dakshina Kannada and neighbouring areas.

The association has said it would develop essential infrastructure in phases. This would include drainage systems, practice facilities and other basic amenities required for cricket training and matches.

The KSCA has committed to completing these essential works within three years of taking possession of the land, according to the proposal.

The planned infrastructure is expected to provide young players with greater access to organised training and playing facilities without having to depend primarily on facilities in Bengaluru or other established cricket centres.

Proposal follows talks on international-standard stadium

The request for 50 acres follows a meeting between KSCA president Venkatesh Prasad, other association officials and MUDA chairman Santosh Kumar Shetty.

During the discussions, the possibility of developing a well-equipped, international-standard cricket stadium in Mangaluru was examined.

Prasad had expressed interest in establishing the facility in the city and was expected to visit Mangaluru to inspect potential sites. MUDA officials said two locations had already been identified for the proposed stadium.

The discussions are part of an effort to strengthen cricket infrastructure in the coastal region and provide facilities capable of supporting both grassroots development and higher-level competitions.

KSCA highlights talent outside Bengaluru

The association has pointed to Karnataka’s existing pool of cricketing talent outside Bengaluru as one reason for expanding infrastructure in the districts.

Prasad said more than 40% of the Karnataka State team comprises players from districts outside Bengaluru. The KSCA believes stronger facilities in mofussil areas could help identify and develop more players from these regions.

A dedicated facility in Mangaluru could therefore provide aspiring cricketers with access to structured training, practice pitches and playing opportunities closer to home.

The proposed Centre of Excellence would also serve players from neighbouring districts, widening the potential catchment area beyond Dakshina Kannada.

Facility to be developed in phases

The KSCA has indicated that development would take place in phases rather than through a single construction programme.

Once the land is allotted, the association has proposed beginning work on essential infrastructure, including drainage and practice facilities.

The three-year timeframe mentioned by the KSCA applies to completing the essential infrastructure after possession of the land. It does not mean that the project itself has already received all required approvals or that construction has commenced.

Further decisions would be required regarding the final site, land allotment terms, design, funding and approvals.

Potential boost to coastal sports infrastructure

A modern cricket complex could expand Mangaluru’s role as a sporting destination in coastal Karnataka.

The region already has a strong sporting base, but the proposed KSCA facility could add specialised cricket infrastructure for players at different stages of development.

Apart from training, a larger cricket facility could potentially support competitive matches and other cricket-related activities once the project is completed and approved.

The development could also create opportunities for young players from areas surrounding Mangaluru to train in a more structured environment.

However, the benefits will depend on the eventual size, facilities, location and operational model of the proposed complex.

Government land allotment is the next step

The immediate requirement is for MUDA and the State Government to consider the KSCA’s request for land.

The association has given two possible models — outright purchase or a 50-year lease. It has also requested concessional rates.

The proposal will have to go through the applicable administrative and land-allotment processes. Until those steps are completed, the proposed cricket complex remains at the planning stage.

MUDA’s identification of two potential sites provides a starting point for further discussions, while a site inspection by KSCA officials is expected to help determine suitability.

Mangaluru could get major cricket facility

The proposal comes at a time when Mangaluru is seeking greater investment in sports infrastructure.

For the KSCA, the proposed project is aimed not only at creating a stadium but also at establishing a broader cricket development facility.

The association has described the proposed complex as a Centre of Excellence, with the objective of providing young players with better opportunities to train, compete and develop their skills.

If the land is allotted and the project progresses according to the proposed timeline, the facility could become a major cricket hub for Dakshina Kannada and neighbouring districts.

Conclusion

The KSCA has sought 50 acres of government land in Mangaluru to develop cricket infrastructure and a proposed Centre of Excellence. The association has offered to invest in the project and complete essential infrastructure within three years of receiving the land. The proposal follows discussions with MUDA, which has identified two potential sites, but the land allotment and other approvals are yet to be finalised.