Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin inaugurated the newly constructed pavilion gallery at the Chepakkam cricket ground in Chennai. This gallery is named after the late former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Artist M. Karunanidhi.
Chennai Chepakkam MA Chidambaram Stadium is one of the oldest cricket grounds in India. The stadium was last renovated in 2009 and 2010. At that time 3 new galleries namely I, J and K were set up. But these 3 galleries were sealed on the grounds that they were built in violation of the norms. These issues and contract renewal were resolved in 2021.
Following this, the old pavilion building was demolished in April 2022. A pavilion has been constructed at this location with modern and modern amenities.
The players rest room is spacious in this pavilion gallery. A gymnasium and indoor net training facilities have been established in the upper part. At the lower part of the ‘I’ gallery there is a ramp for the differently abled. All the infrastructure work of this stadium has been done under the leadership of Rupa Gurunath, the former president of the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association.
A notable feature of the stadium is the museum set up in the pavilion area. Also Chennai Super Kings store and various souvenirs have been set up. As a part of this, the 1986 Test match between India and Australia which ended in a ‘tie’, artworks and murals of various moments where the record was achieved have been painted.
The opening ceremony of the newly constructed Pavilion Gallery was held yesterday. Chief Minister M. K. Stalin was the chief guest and inaugurated the pavilion. Subsequently, the gallery set up in the pavilion was also opened. This gallery is named after the late former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Artist M. Karunanidhi.
Sports Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, former BCCI President N. Srinivasan, Stadium Infrastructure Committee Chairman Rupa Gurunath, Chennai Super Kings captain MS Dhoni, Tamil Nadu Cricket Association President Ashok Chikamani, CSK bowling coach Dwayne Bravo, Ambati Rayudu, Deepak Shahkar, coach Michael Hussey were present at the event. Many others participated.
The 3rd ODI match between India and Australia is going to be played on the 22nd at the Chepakkam stadium, which will be displayed with new brilliance.
Following this, the Chennai Super Kings team will play their 7 matches in the IPL T20 series at this stadium. CSK will face Lucknow Supergiants on April 3 at their home ground this season. After 4 years, CSK team is going to play in Chepauk which has increased the interest among the fans.
Tickets on sale today: A 3-match ODI cricket series is underway between India and Australia. The last and 3rd match will be played on 22nd at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chepakkam, Chennai. Counter ticket sales for this match will start today at 11 am.
