Varanasi International Cricket Stadium, Ganjari: Opening, Design & Location
Varanasi's international cricket stadium at Ganjari is in its final stage: about 30,000 seats, trishul floodlights, a damru pavilion and a crescent roof, with the opening proposed for 2 December 2026.
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Varanasi's international cricket stadium at Ganjari, near Rajatalab, is in its final stage. It is built around Shiva symbols and is planned to open in early December 2026.
At a Glance
Where It Is
The stadium stands in Ganjari village, in the Rajatalab tehsil on the south-western side of Varanasi district, next to the Ring Road (Phase 2). Coming from the city or the National Highway side, the Ring Road is the main approach, and the four trishul-shaped floodlight towers are visible from a distance.
Village
Ganjari, Rajatalab tehsil
Main approach
Ring Road Phase 2
Nearest landmark
Rajatalab
Built by
L&T (design and build)
A Stadium Shaped by Kashi
The design borrows from the city's devotional imagery, so the building itself reads as a piece of Banaras.
Trishul floodlights
The four floodlight towers are shaped like Shiva's trident and are the stadium's most visible feature.
Damru pavilion
The pavilion and media block take the form of a damru, the small drum associated with Shiva.
Crescent roof
The roof over the stands curves like the crescent moon on Shiva's head.
Ghat-step stands
The seating tiers echo the stepped ghats along the Ganga.
Bel-leaf facade
Metal panels on the outer wall carry a bel-leaf pattern, the leaf offered to Shiva.
Practice ground
A separate practice ground with net pitches sits beside the main field.
How It Came Together
Site and builder
The state allotted about 30 acres at Ganjari, and the BCCI-funded construction contract went to L&T.
Foundation stone
The Prime Minister laid the foundation stone of the stadium.
Construction
Stands, the damru pavilion, the crescent roof and the trishul towers rose over three seasons.
Final stage
Work was reported to be about 98% complete, with finishing, cleaning and road work around the site under way.
Proposed opening
2 December 2026 has been proposed for the inauguration; the date is not yet final.
First Matches
Reports say the ground's first fixtures are planned for the Under-19 Cooch Behar Trophy in December 2026, with Uttar Pradesh hosting Puducherry (3–6 December) and Chhattisgarh (11–14 December). Women's Premier League games in early 2027 are also being considered. Fixtures can change, so treat these as plans, not confirmed bookings.
Before You Go
Good to know
For the city's other grounds, see sports facilities and stadiums in Varanasi.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the new cricket stadium in Varanasi?
It is in Ganjari village in the Rajatalab tehsil, on the south-western side of Varanasi district, beside the Ring Road (Phase 2).
When will the Ganjari stadium open?
2 December 2026 has been proposed for the inauguration, but the date has not been confirmed. Construction was reported to be about 98% complete in early November 2026.
How many people can the stadium hold?
It is planned for about 30,000 spectators.
Why does it have trishul-shaped lights?
The design draws on Shiva symbols linked with Kashi: trishul floodlights, a damru-shaped pavilion, a crescent-moon roof, ghat-like stands and bel-leaf panels on the facade.
Which matches will be played there first?
Reports say Under-19 Cooch Behar Trophy matches are planned for December 2026, and Women's Premier League games are being considered for early 2027. Check official announcements before you plan.
Can I visit the stadium now?
Not yet. It is still a work site. Visitor access will depend on the official opening and match schedule.
