Lucknow, India — The Government of Uttar Pradesh on Thursday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Indian Oil Corporation Limited for the construction of a 30,000-capacity international cricket stadium in Gorakhpur, marking a major step toward strengthening sports infrastructure in eastern Uttar Pradesh.
The MoU was formalized in the presence of Yogi Adityanath, Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh. The stadium project is estimated to cost ₹339 crore and is targeted for completion by December 2027.
Funding and Project Structure
The project will receive significant financial support from public sector oil marketing companies through their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives:
- Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL): ₹60 crore
- Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited: ₹30 crore
- Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited: ₹10 crore
The remaining funding will be provided by the Government of Uttar Pradesh. Earlier estimates in January 2026 had placed the project cost at ₹392.94 crore. The state government has already released an initial tranche of ₹63.39 crore for land development work, including earth-filling and leveling.
Vision for Regional Sports Development
Addressing the event, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said the proposed stadium would serve as a critical platform for nurturing cricketing talent from the Purvanchal region and help bring regional players to national and international prominence.
He added that the project aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of promoting a strong sports culture and expanding world-class sporting infrastructure across the country. The stadium is also expected to boost sports tourism, employment generation, and economic activity in eastern Uttar Pradesh.
Stadium Specifications
According to the detailed project report, the stadium will be built on a 45-acre site at Tal Nandaur along the Gorakhpur–Varanasi highway, with an additional 5 acres earmarked for allied facilities. Designed to meet International Cricket Council (ICC) standards, the stadium will feature:
- Seating capacity for 30,000 spectators
- Seven main pitches and four practice pitches
- Modern practice and training facilities
- High-intensity floodlights for day-night matches
- Contemporary dressing rooms and a media center
- Parking capacity for approximately 1,500 vehicles
- Sustainable features including solar power and energy-efficient systems
The venue will also be developed as a multi-purpose complex, capable of hosting large public and cultural events.
Industry Participation
Indian Oil Chairman Arvinder Sahni described the partnership as a matter of pride and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting the long-term development of Uttar Pradesh through responsible CSR initiatives.
A Public-Private Development Model
The Uttar Pradesh government described the project as a strong example of public-private collaboration, highlighting the role of PSU-backed CSR funding in accelerating infrastructure creation. The state is also expanding its broader sports ecosystem, including new stadiums and the Major Dhyan Chand Sports University in Meerut.
Once completed, the Gorakhpur International Cricket Stadium is expected to emerge as a landmark sporting destination in eastern Uttar Pradesh, offering world-class facilities for players and fans while acting as a catalyst for regional growth.