By A Correspondent
Patna: Today marks a historic day for cricket in Bihar, with the Bihar Cricket Association (BCA) securing the Moinul Haq Stadium after a decade-long effort. Bihar’s Deputy Chief Minister, Samrat Chaudhary, expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for his decision to transfer the stadium’s land, valued at Rs 650 crore, to the BCA. This occasion was commemorated by a programme celebrating the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Bihar Government and the BCA.
Deputy Chief Minister Chaudhary praised BCA President Rakesh Kumar Tiwari for facilitating the agreement and promptly informing BCCI Secretary Jai Shah, who granted funding to upgrade the stadium to an international standard. Chaudhary urged the BCA to accelerate work, aiming to lay the foundation stone for the new facility with the presence of India’s Prime Minister or Home Minister early next year. He also announced the waiver of the Rs 37 crore registration fee and encouraged BCA to foster a vibrant sports environment in Bihar.
The stadium will be transformed into a world-class complex, featuring seating for 40,000 spectators, 76 corporate boxes, 250 VIP boxes, and facilities like badminton and volleyball courts, a swimming pool, a five-star hotel, and a player hostel. Urban Development Minister Nitin Nabin said that the project would boost tourism and provide extensive benefits for Bihar’s athletes. He shared hopes of hosting an international team within three years.
Sports Minister Surendra Mehta hailed the project as a milestone for Bihar’s sporting development. Principal Secretary of the Sports Department, B Rajendra, detailed the MoU terms, stating that the stadium has been leased to the BCA for 30 years, with a symbolic fee of one rupee per year for the first seven years. After this, the BCA will share 50% of its profits with the state, post-expenses and taxes.
The MoU was signed by Sports Director Mahendra Kumar for the Bihar Government and President Rakesh Kumar Tiwari for the BCA. During the event, BCA officials honoured key dignitaries with bouquets, mementos, and shawls, acknowledging their support.
BCA President Tiwari closed the event by assuring the government of the association’s commitment to meeting expectations for the stadium’s development. Representatives from all district associations affiliated with the BCA and other officials were in attendance to witness this landmark moment.
