Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah tries his hand at cricket after laying the foundation stone for the construction of a cricket stadium in Tumakuru, around 60 km north of Bengaluru, on December 2, 2024.
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah laid the foundation stone for an international cricket stadium in Tumakuru, around 60 km north of Bengaluru, on Monday.

Mr. Siddaramaiah said: “We have allocated 50 acres to the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) for the stadium. The project will significantly contribute to the economic growth and development of the district.”

He urged officials to complete the construction at the earliest to fulfil expectations of cricket enthusiasts.

According to sources, the stadium will be built on land allocated to the KSCA by the Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board (KIADB). The state-of-the-art facility, estimated to cost ₹150 crore, is expected to be completed in a couple of years.

Currently, the M. Chinnaswamy stadium in Bengaluru hosts all international cricket matches in Karnataka.

Stadium in Mysuru too

The Chief Minister said that the KSCA has requested land for a cricket stadium in Mysuru as well. “We will provide land in Mysuru too,” he said.

Home Minister and Tumakuru district in charge G. Parameshwara, Cooperation Minister K.N. Rajanna, Rural Development Minister Priyank Kharge, the State’s representative in Delhi T.B. Jayachandra, district MLAs, KSCA president Raghuram Bhat, and other officials were present at the function.

Suresh Gowda, BJP MLA, allegedly tried to stage a protest during the CM’s visit.

In response, Mr Siddaramaiah said, “I have been in politics for 41 years, Leader of Opposition twice, Chief Minister twice. If I was the kind to get scared, I would not be standing here today. I have done nothing wrong. So, there’s nothing to fear.”