The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced a significant change in the venue for the first T20 International (T20I) match between India and Bangladesh. Originally scheduled to be held in Dharamsala, the game will now take place in Gwalior. The alteration in the location was necessitated due to ongoing upgrades and renovations within the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association’s dressing rooms in Dharamsala.
The much-anticipated clash, which remains set for October 6, will mark a notable milestone as it becomes the first international fixture to be held at the newly-constructed Shrimant Madhavrao Scindia Cricket Stadium in Gwalior. Cricket enthusiasts will recall the city’s historical significance in the sport, with the last international match played there dating back to when cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar scored an iconic double century in an ODI against South Africa.
In addition to this change, the BCCI has also announced a swap in venues for the first and second T20Is against England. The dates for these matches remain unchanged, slated for January 22 and January 25, respectively. However, the first T20I will now take place in Kolkata instead of Chennai. Consequently, the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, originally scheduled to host the series opener, will now stage the second T20I encounter.
The decision to swap the venues for the England series comes in response to a request made by Kolkata Police to the Cricket Association of Bengal. The police cited prior commitments and obligations related to Republic Day celebrations as the reason behind their inability to provide the necessary security cover on the originally planned dates.
Rupesh Mehta, a senior official from the BCCI, addressed the media regarding these developments. “We are always committed to ensuring the smooth execution of our international fixtures. The upgrades and renovations at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association facilities were beyond our control, but we are confident that the newly-built venue in Gwalior will offer an excellent experience for players and fans alike,” he said.
“Similarly, the request from Kolkata Police was something we had to honor.
. We appreciate their prior commitments and have full faith in the Cricket Association of Bengal’s ability to organize a successful event in the new timeframe allotted to them,” Mehta added.
The newly-built Shrimant Madhavrao Scindia Cricket Stadium is expected to add a fresh chapter to Gwalior’s cricketing history. Named after the prominent Indian politician and erstwhile cricket enthusiast Madhavrao Scindia, the stadium boasts modern facilities, ample seating capacity, and excellent infrastructure—all of which promise to provide a world-class experience for cricketers and spectators.
Meanwhile, the change in venues for the T20Is against England has been met with a mixed response from cricket fans and experts alike. Some have expressed disappointment over the disruption, while others feel it provides an opportunity to share the excitement of the matches across a broader range of cities. Regardless, enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting the thrilling contests to come.
As the date for the first T20I in Gwalior nears, preparations are underway to ensure the stadium and the supporting infrastructure are ready for international play. Local authorities, volunteers, and stadium staff are working tirelessly to meet the high standards expected from such an event. Community spirit is running high, with many locals expressing their excitement at the prospect of witnessing an international cricket match in their city.
Moreover, the shift to Gwalior has sparked interest in the regional cricketing circuit. Youths and budding cricketers in the area are thrilled at the chance to see their heroes in action, hoping it will inspire them to reach greater heights in their own cricketing endeavors.
In summary, while the decision to relocate the first India-Bangladesh T20I from Dharamsala to Gwalior was necessary due to unavoidable renovations, it has opened new horizons for the city of Gwalior and its cricketing community. Similarly, the venue swap for the India-England T20I series illustrates the BCCI’s adaptability and commitment to the sport. As fans gear up for these changes, the spirit of cricket continues to thrive, uniting people from various corners of the country in their shared passion for the game.