No plans to upgrade Barabati Stadium in Cuttack: Odisha Minister

The Odisha government has stated that there are currently no proposals for the refurbishment or the upgrade of the historical Barabati Stadium in Cuttack.

During the Odisha Assembly session on Friday, Sports and Youth Services Minister Suryabanshi Suraj addressed concerns regarding the stadium's future.

Management and Current Status

The historical Barabati Stadium, known for hosting international cricket matches and various important events, is currently overseen by the Odisha Cricket Association (OCA). This information was highlighted in response to a question posed by Congress Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) Sofia Firdous, who sought clarification on any government initiatives for the stadium's development.

Minister Suraj responded by saying, "There are no proposals in place before the government regarding this matter."

The Minister's statement emphasises the absence of any active projects or plans for the stadium, which has been a significant venue for both domestic and international matches.

Cultural and Sporting Significance

Notably, Barabati Stadium holds cultural importance in Odisha, frequently serving as a venue for various national and international sports, concerts, and cultural events. Its maintenance and potential future upgrades remain closely monitored by stakeholders within the state's sports community.

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The government's confirmation provides clarity on current priorities and underscores that any future enhancements will require formal proposals and further deliberation.

Floodlight Fiasco

Recently, the Barabati stadium has successfully hosted an ODI between India and England. Hosts India won the match in a convincing manner. However, the successful hosting of the high-voltage match was overshadowed by the disruption of the match for nearly 30 minutes due to the malfunctioning of the floodlight during the day-night match.