Cricket is making a triumphant return to Gwalior after a 14-year absence. The city will host a T20 International match between India and Bangladesh on Sunday, marking the beginning of what promises to be a new era for cricket in Gwalior. The excitement surrounding the match is palpable, fueled by the presence of the newly constructed Shrimant Madhavrao Stadium, a state-of-the-art facility that will replace the outdated Captain Roop Singh Stadium.
The Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association (MPCA) president, Abhilash Khandekar, has confirmed that the new stadium will allow the MPCA to stage international matches ‘alternatively’ with Indore. This move signifies a commitment to bringing major cricket events to both cities, ensuring that the passion for the sport thrives in both regions.
Khandekar highlights the historical significance of Gwalior in the cricketing world. “Gwalior is a city with a rich cricketing history, and therefore it deserves a world-class venue,” he asserted. He emphasizes that both Gwalior and Indore are traditional cricket venues with a rich history of the game, making them ideal locations for major international matches.
The Holkar Stadium in Indore has already hosted numerous international matches across formats, including three Test matches. Khandekar expressed his desire to see Gwalior also host a Test match in the near future, highlighting the growing anticipation among the city’s residents. “We would surely want to host a Test here. The people of Gwalior would like to see that as well. The city is excited about the T20 and I hope we can have a red-ball game here soon,” he said.
The upcoming T20 match has created a buzz in Gwalior, with tickets for the series opener selling out. The stadium is expected to be filled with a passionate crowd of 30,000 spectators, eager to witness the return of international cricket to their city.
Organizing an international match in a smaller city like Gwalior presents its own challenges, but Khandekar and his team are confident in their ability to overcome them. “With the heavy rain in Gwalior, there were a few challenges, but we have overcome that. All the MPCA staff members working on the game are thorough professionals; they got here well in advance to prepare for the game,” he stated confidently.
The return of international cricket to Gwalior marks a significant milestone for the city. The new stadium, the dedicated efforts of the MPCA, and the passionate support of the local community promise to bring a new era of cricketing glory to Gwalior. The city is ready to embrace the sport, and the future of cricket in Gwalior looks brighter than ever.
