Karnataka is writing a bold new chapter in Indian sports history. The state government has officially broken ground on what is set to become India's second largest cricket stadium - an 80,000-seater international-grade venue in Anekal taluk, southern Bengaluru, near
Bannerghatta National Park, about 25 km from the city.Spread across 75 acres with a budget of ₹943 crore, this is one of the most ambitious sports infrastructure projects the country has seen in years.
Why Bengaluru Needed a New Cricket Stadium
The story behind this new stadium in Bangalore begins with tragedy. In June 2025, a deadly stampede outside the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium claimed 11 lives during Royal Challengers Bengaluru's IPL victory celebrations. The incident exposed a hard truth - Bengaluru's only international cricket venue, with a capacity of just 38,000, was dangerously inadequate for a city of over 14 million passionate cricket fans.
The Justice John Michael Cunha Commission, set up to investigate the stampede, formally recommended relocating large-scale events to better-equipped venues. The Karnataka Cabinet responded in October 2025 by clearing the proposal for a brand-new international cricket stadium in Bangalore - one that would be built from scratch, designed for scale, and future-proofed for decades to come.
Foundation Stone Laid: May 23, 2026
On May 23, 2026, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar jointly laid the foundation stone at Suryanagar, Indlawadi village in Anekal taluk. The Karnataka Housing Board (KHB) simultaneously floated tenders for the first phase of construction, marking the official start of what will become a new international cricket stadium in Bangalore.
The event was attended by thousands of people and party workers, reflecting the enormous public excitement surrounding the project. With tenders floated and ground broken, the project has moved well past the proposal stage.
The Stadium: Scale and Specifications
At 80,000 seats, this will be India's 2nd largest cricket stadium, trailing only the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad which holds 1,32,000 spectators.
Spread across 75 acres, the complex is a full multi-sport hub that will include:
- Facilities for 24 indoor and outdoor sports
- A 3,000-seat auditorium
- World-class dressing rooms, media facilities, and spectator amenities
- Connecting roads and allied infrastructure
The total project cost stands at ₹943 crore. The venue is expected to be completed within three years, putting it on track for a 2028-29 inauguration.This new cricket stadium in Bangalore is designed to host not just IPL matches but also Test matches, ODIs, T20 Internationals, and potentially ICC tournament fixtures.
Why Anekal Was Chosen
Three sites were considered - Shivaram Karanth Layout, Bidadi Integrated Township, and Anekal. The government ultimately chose Anekal for several reasons.
Anekal taluk sits at the southern edge of Bengaluru Urban district, close to Electronic City and Sarjapur Road - two of the city's most established growth corridors. The availability of 75 acres of contiguous land owned by the Karnataka Housing Board made it the most practical and cost-effective choice for a project of this scale.
Housing Minister B.Z. Zameer Ahmed Khan stated that with these world-class facilities, the complex will become one of the largest sports complexes in the country.
Additionally, Bengaluru is also planning its longest metro line with a spur line that will take passengers directly to this cricket stadium, further strengthening Anekal's connectivity to the rest of the city.
Controversy: ESZ and Farmer Opposition
The project has faced opposition from farmers, activists, and environmentalists who claim the stadium site falls within the Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) of Bannerghatta National Park. Local farmers from affected villages allege the foundation stone was laid without necessary approvals and permissions. The Karnataka government is yet to formally respond, and the matter is likely to face legal and regulatory scrutiny ahead.
What This Means for Bengaluru
Bengaluru has long punched below its weight in sports infrastructure relative to its size and economic importance. This stadium in Anekal changes that narrative. Cities like Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata, despite their rich cricketing heritage, do not have stadiums of this seating scale. Bengaluru, with this single project, leapfrogs all of them in terms of stadium capacity.
The project is also part of a broader Karnataka push for sports infrastructure - the state has separately approved an international cricket stadium in Mysuru and has another under construction in Tumakuru.
Impact on Real Estate: The Anekal Growth Story
The announcement of India's second largest cricket stadium has already started sending ripples through Anekal's property market. Areas within a 3-5 km radius of Indlawadi and Suryanagar are witnessing increased buyer inquiries, while the corridor is poised for its first wave of organised residential and commercial development. A stadium of this magnitude brings a permanent ecosystem - hospitality zones, sports academies, restaurants, and retail - generating year-round footfall beyond just match days. With the proposed metro spur line, major road upgrades, and proximity to Electronic City and Sarjapur Road, the Anekal belt is fast emerging as one of Bengaluru's most promising real estate destinations.
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