Mini Cyclone Ravages Khanderi Stadium in Rajkot: Media Boxes and Pavilion Wrecked, Estimated Loss of Two Crores

Significant Damage Due to Heavy Winds and Rain in Rajkot and Across Saurashtra

Widespread damage is being reported across Saurashtra, including Rajkot, due to heavy winds and continuous rainfall. The renowned Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium, located on the Rajkot-Jamnagar highway, has incurred substantial losses amounting to crores of rupees. The media box, which is a replica of the Lord’s Cricket Stadium in London, has suffered severe damage. The glass and elevation structures in the box, along with the roof, have been shattered due to the strong winds. Additionally, the blackboard and seating arrangements for the spectators on the rooftop, where the center of the pitch is usually marked, have also been destroyed.

Losses of Around Two Crores Incurred in the Stadium Due to Heavy Winds and Rain

The Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium, located in Khanderi, Rajkot, has suffered significant damage amounting to approximately two crores due to heavy winds and continuous rainfall in the region. The media box and seating arrangements for spectators, along with the infrastructure for media coverage and meetings, have been extensively affected by the adverse weather conditions. The strong winds, accompanied by heavy rain, have created a challenging situation in and around the stadium.

In particular, the media box and meeting facilities for spectators have experienced substantial damage, leading to the reported losses. A live video of the intense winds and rainfall in the Khanderi village, causing this mini-calamity, has been shared. The situation has resulted in an estimated loss of around two crores in the stadium.

Media Box at International Cricket Stadium, Resembling Lord’s Cricket Stadium, to be Constructed Before Test Match

A media box, designed to resemble the architecture of Lord’s Cricket Stadium in London, is being constructed at the International Cricket Stadium. During matches, both the media and commentators will occupy this state-of-the-art pavilion. It’s worth noting that a substantial amount of damage has been incurred at cricket stadiums recently. The restoration work must commence swiftly as Rajkot’s Khanderi Cricket Stadium is set to host a Test match in 2024. Therefore, it is imperative to ensure that the media box is reconstructed to its original state before the commencement of this Test match.

Stadium with a Seating Capacity of 25,000 Seats to be Inaugurated

The inauguration of the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium took place in 2013, spearheaded by the then Chief Minister of Gujarat and current Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi. Built on 29.48 acres at a cost of 72 crores, the stadium boasts a seating capacity of 25,000. The facility includes three stands – South, West, and East – with seating arrangements. Additionally, the stadium features corporate hospitality, president’s box, and secretary’s box for further accommodation.