Raipur may host a match of ICC World Cup 2023

Raipur, May 08
As the excitement builds for IPL 2023, cricket fans in Chhattisgarh have a reason to cheer. Raipur’s Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium could host a match of the upcoming ICC World Cup 2023. While no official confirmation has been made, both the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the International Cricket Council (ICC) are reportedly considering the possibility.
If Raipur is selected, it would join 13 other cities, Nagpur, Bengaluru, Trivandrum, Mumbai, Delhi, Lucknow, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Rajkot, Indore, Bengaluru and Mohali that will host the 50-over World Cup matches starting on October 5. The tournament will showcase the best teams in the world, with India as the host country.
Raipur’s cricket stadium, which opened in 2008, has a seating capacity of 65,000 and has already hosted several domestic and international matches. It boasts modern facilities, including floodlights, a video analysis room, a swimming pool, and a gymnasium. Moreover, the stadium’s location in the heart of Chhattisgarh’s capital city makes it easily accessible for fans from across the region.
Given these advantages, it makes sense for Raipur to host at least one match of the World Cup. This would not only showcase the city’s cricketing culture and hospitality but also give cricket fans in the region a chance to experience the thrill of a major international tournament. It would also enhance the stadium’s profile and contribute to the development of cricket infrastructure in Chhattisgarh and beyond.
The BCCI has already invested over Rs 500 crore to upgrade the country’s stadiums ahead of the tournament. The board and local authorities should ensure that the selected venues meet the highest standards of safety, comfort, and cleanliness, and that the matches are conducted in a fair and transparent manner.