Vedanta's Hindustan Zinc Limited (HZL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA) for the development of the world's third-largest cricket stadium in Chonp village, Jaipur. The international stadium, to be spread over 100 acres of land with a seating capacity of 75,000 people, will be the largest in the world in terms of playing field area.
Vedanta's HZL will invest Rs 300 crore in the stadium, making it one of the largest corporate investments in India's sports infrastructure. The stadium will be named after Anil Agarwal, the founder and chairman of Vedanta Resources Limited.
The MoU was signed in the presence of C.P. Joshi, Speaker, Rajasthan Assembly, and Chief Patron, RCA; Priya Agarwal Hebbar, Chairperson, Hindustan Zinc and Non-Executive Director, Vedanta Ltd; and Vaibhav Gehlot, President, RCA.
Former Sri Lanka cricketer Kumar Sangakkara, Head Coach of Rajasthan Royals, expressed happiness at the construction of the proposed stadium. He hoped that this venture would give encouragement to new talent.
The stadium will be completed in phases, with a 40,000 capacity set to be completed by October 2023. The first phase of the overall project will cost Rs. 400 crores, out of which Rs. 300 crores will be borne by Hindustan Zinc Limited and the remaining Rs. 100 crores will be taken care of by RCA.
The stadium will have an indoor games facility, training centers for other sports, a clubhouse, and parking for three and a half thousand vehicles. It will also host national and international matches, including games of the IPL, and help develop Rajasthan as a major hub for cricket and other sports.
Vedanta Chairman, Anil Agarwal, shared his vision for this contribution, "Sport gives us the best life lessons in leadership, teamwork, competition, and hunger to succeed. If India's youth participates wholeheartedly with energy and passion, nurtured by world-class infrastructure, they will become an unbeatable talent pool. Vedanta dedicates this stadium and its facilities to new India. Let's play."
Speaking on the occasion, Priya Agarwal Hebbar said, "Cricket is a national passion. We are proud and privileged to have the opportunity to set up this world-class facility which will benefit players and spectators. India has huge potential as a sporting nation. Vedanta and HZL are committed to creating a best-in-class enabling environment for the flourishing of our country's talent and interest in sports."