The Karnataka Cabinet has given ‘in-principle’ approval to build a world-class cricket stadium and sports complex in Anekal, on the southern outskirts of Bengaluru, for an estimated INR 2,350 crore.
The new facility, which spans 75 acres in Suryanagar Fourth Stage Extension, Indlavadi village, aims to improve Karnataka’s athletic infrastructure by hosting international cricket and other large-scale events.
H.K. Patil, Minister of Law and Parliamentary Affairs, acknowledged that the plan was approved by the cabinet and asked the Housing Department to create a Detailed Project Report (DPR) and perform a viability analysis. The DPR will assess the project’s scope, construction costs, technical needs, safety precautions, environmental impact, and long-term operations planning.
The stadium will become Karnataka’s third international cricket venue, following a newly approved project in Mysuru and another now under development in Tumakuru. The Anekal stadium will have a seating capacity of 80,000, more than doubling that of Bengaluru’s M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, which can only accommodate 38,000 people. Along with cricket, the sports complex will include facilities for 24 indoor and outdoor sports, as well as a 3,000-seat auditorium, making it one of India’s largest.
Anekal project expected to drive regional development
The decision comes following the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium faces space and infrastructure constraints. International cricket hasn’t been hosted there since June 2025, when a tragic stampede following the Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s IPL victory claimed 11 lives and left many injured. The Justice John Michael Cunha Commission had recommended relocating major cricket events to better-equipped venues.
Meanwhile, the Anekal project is expected to drive regional development. Road connectivity, parking, water supply, power, and urban amenities will be upgraded to handle large crowds, while public transport, security, and emergency services will also be modernized. These improvements are anticipated to attract tourism, real estate investment, and hospitality ventures, generating both short- and long-term economic benefits.
The stadium is designed as a multi-purpose venue, capable of hosting concerts, corporate events, and cultural programs, ensuring year-round activity and revenue. State-of-the-art amenities, including hospitality lounges, media centres, LED screens, floodlighting, and fan engagement zones, will provide a world-class experience for spectators, athletes, and officials. Accessibility features for differently-abled visitors, technology-driven ticketing, and advanced crowd management systems will further enhance safety and convenience.
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