In a bid to revive the iconic Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel (SVP) Cricket Stadium in Gujarat, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) is contemplating a comprehensive Rs 180 crore redevelopment plan, according to sources familiar with the matter. This stadium holds historical significance as the venue for India’s inaugural international cricket match in 1981.
Designed by the renowned architect Charles Correa, the stadium’s transformation is envisioned to turn it into a state-of-the-art multi-sport facility capable of hosting international events, including a hopeful bid for the 2036 Olympic Games by India. The proposed redevelopment underscores a strategic move by the civic body to optimize the venue’s potential and bolster India’s standing on the global sports stage.
Despite its illustrious past, the SVP Cricket Stadium has faced underutilization over the years, prompting the AMC to consider a substantial overhaul. Past efforts to breathe new life into the stadium have met with limited success, necessitating a more comprehensive and forward-looking redevelopment strategy.
Official discussions on the redevelopment plan are currently in progress, with a formal decision pending before the standing committee of the corporation. To ensure a well-informed approach, the committee has requested a detailed report outlining the conservation management plan for the proposed redevelopment.
The ambitious project not only aims to rejuvenate a historic sporting venue but also aligns with the broader vision of creating world-class infrastructure to support India’s aspirations to host major international sporting events. As the city awaits the corporation’s decision, the proposed overhaul holds the promise of transforming the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Cricket Stadium into a modern, multi-sport hub that could potentially host global competitions, including the coveted 2036 Olympic Games.