Meghna Barik, Pune
The Sunday, 6th October, 2024, international cricket is expected to return to Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh after a 14-year break. The much awaited 20-20 International between Bangladesh and India will be the first international match at the recently built Shrimant Madhavrao Scindia Cricket Stadium which is situated outside of the city.
The iconic Captain Roop Singh Stadium which served as the focal point of Gwalior’s cricket history has been replaced with this cutting-edge venue. When mens One Day Internationals (ODIs) were played in Gwalior last year Sachin Tendulkar made history by becoming the first player to score a double century. But now the attention is on the brand-new Scindia Stadium which reflects Gwalior’s goals for more modern facilities and major sporting events rather than the legendary Captain Roop Singh Stadium where many unforgettable cricketing moments took place.
Although it saw some important games such as India’s World Cup matches in 1996 and a memorable triumph over Australia in 2003 the Captain Roop Singh Stadium eventually fell into disrepair. Although it was initially constructed with few resources it proved to be invaluable in times of crisis. For example in 1993 after a riot interrupted the India-England series in Ahmedabad it hosted two ODIs back-to-back days.
But as the facilities grew older the stadium started to disappear from the map of international cricket. Gwalior’s status in Indian cricket is expected to be restored thanks to the construction of the Shrimant Madhavrao Scindia Cricket Stadium which bears the name of the former BCCI president. Spread across 30 acres the stadium boasts cutting-edge features including modern floodlights, nine cricket pitches and indoor training facilities. Plans are in place to increase the venue’s capacity to 50000 seats from the current 30000 capacity. Even with all the excitement there are outside obstacles in the match.
In response to demands for a boycott made by right-wing organizations due to media reports of violence in Bangladesh Gwalior has implemented prohibitive orders. There is heavy security surrounding the stadium with public access restricted and stringent protocols in place to thwart protests. Cricket fans in Gwalior are filled with nostalgia for the iconic Captain Roop Singh Stadium as the city prepares to take its place on the global cricket scene in the new millennium.