Salem gets international-grade cricket stadium to groom young talent

“The ground will be helpful in grooming cricketers from the district and take them to greater heights. The government will extend its support in conducting IPL matches on the ground,” he said.

The Chief Minister said that youth in villages will be motivated in sports through ‘Amma cricket stadiums’ being set up by the government. “In future, the youth from villages in Tamil Nadu will play in state, national and international competitions,” he said.  

The Chief Minister also batted for a while a few balls delivered by former Indian cricket team captain Rahul Dravid. Speaking at the event, the cricketer said that the ground would serve to bring next generation of cricketers from smaller towns and cities.

“It would help them achieve the goal of cricket talents,” he said. Dravid also had a word of praise for Tamil Nadu left arm paceman T Natarajan, who hails from Salem and said that he would be a role model for new generation of players.

Former BCCI president N Srinivasan expressed hope of conducting an IPL match on the ground in the coming days. “I hope legendary MS Dhoni would lead three time IPL champion Chennai Super Kings in a game at this ground,” he added.

Tamil Nadu Cricket Association president Rupa Gurunath and other officials were present at the inauguration of the stadium spread over 16 acres and set up at a cost of Rs 3 crore near Vazhapadi in Salem.