In a major boost for Kerala cricket, the state government has granted final clearance for an international-standard cricket stadium near Kochi airport.
On Saturday (August 8), the revenue department approved the conversion of 25 acres of paddy land at Nedumbassery under the sports infrastructure scheme, paving the way for the long-awaited project by the Kerala Cricket Association (KCA).
Where will be the new Kochi Stadium?
The proposed stadium will come up in Chengamanad village, along the national highway just before Athani junction towards Angamaly, a short distance from Cochin International Airport (CIAL). With a seating capacity of 40,000, it is estimated to cost ₹450 crore and is scheduled for completion within three years of construction starting. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has already approved the site.
Although the new stadium will be named in the city of Kochi, it is significantly on the outskirts of the city. The airport itself lies in the Nedumbassery area, which is in the Ernakulam district, adjacent to Thrissur district. The Chengamanad village itself lies on the bank of the Periyar river.
This venue forms the centrepiece of the ambitious “Cochin Sports City,” envisioned as India’s first carbon-neutral sports city. Beyond the main stadium, the complex will feature indoor and outdoor training grounds, an e-sports arena, a specialised sports medicine centre, a sports research institute, practice facilities, and other amenities aimed at developing players and promoting sports tourism.
Kochi has long lacked a dedicated international cricket ground. The existing Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium at Kaloor last hosted international cricket matches in 2014 and primarily serves football now. The new facility near the airport is expected to bring top-level cricket back to central Kerala, offering excellent connectivity and modern infrastructure.
Strict environmental safeguards are part of the approval. These include maintaining natural water flow to nearby agricultural lands, advanced drainage systems, and full compliance with statutory clearances to protect ecosystems.
Announced as part of KCA’s “Beyond 2020” vision in 2024, the project had faced delays due to land conversion paperwork. With the latest government nod, construction can now move forward, marking a significant step toward realising Kochi’s international cricket ambitions and creating a world-class, eco-friendly sports hub.
“The proposed stadium will provide world-class facilities for cricketers and fans. Hosting national and international matches will give a major boost to sports tourism and the state’s economy,” Sreejith V Nair, the KCA president, said about the project in a statement.