Kathmandu. At a time when the popularity of cricket and infrastructure expansion is moving ahead at a rapid pace in Rupandehi, the active participation of the private sector has added a new dimension. However, the government-owned Siddhartha Cricket Stadium is yet to be completed due to budget crunch and slow implementation.

The Extra-Tech Oval Cricket Ground has been constructed at Tilottama municipality-17 at the cost of Rs 600 million at the investment of Binod Kunwar, who has been doing business in Australia. Spread over 6 bigha of land, the stadium has a players’ dressing room, media box, VIP box and other structures.

Former captain of Nepali National Cricket Team Shakti Gauchan said that the stadium is ready to host national level tournaments while works on other infrastructures are underway. The stadium has a capacity of 2,000 to 3,000 spectators at present, which is planned to be expanded to 15,000 to 20,000 spectators in the coming days.

A cricket academy with residential facilities will be established along with the stadium to produce skilled players. It is expected to support sports as well as tourism and local economy.

The investors have said that the government’s support is necessary for the construction of roads, electricity and other basic infrastructures reaching the ground. They are of the view that although the government does not need financial support for the construction of the stadium, the role of the state is necessary in the development of access road and public infrastructures.

However, the plan to upgrade the Siddhartha Cricket Stadium in Bhairahawa to international level has been in limbo for a long time. Initiated in 2011, only 16 per cent of the project has been completed so far, it is stated.

According to Rupandehi Cricket Association Chair Hari Bahadur Thapa, inadequate budget allocation and implementation of multi-year plan are the main reasons behind the slow project. Although around Rs 120 million has been spent so far, most of the structures of the stadium are yet to be constructed.

According to the DPR, the initial cost was estimated to be Rs 380 million, but now it is estimated that more than Rs 700 million will be required to complete the stadium.

Sports stakeholders have said that the construction of government stadiums should be given priority in view of the growing attraction towards cricket. According to them, the enthusiasm and investment shown by the private sector has helped to establish Rupandehi as the hub of cricket.