MP Chinni outlines ACA’s vision for cricket development

Vijayawada MP and Andhra Cricket Association (ACA) president Kesineni Sivanath (Chinni) has unveiled an ambitious roadmap for cricket development across Andhra Pradesh, highlighting plans to establish 30 cricket grounds annually across all 175 constituencies. Addressing a press conference at NTR Bhavan, he credited Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Minister Nara Lokesh for their support in strengthening ACA’s initiatives.
Chinni dismissed speculation about the renaming of the Visakhapatnam Cricket Stadium and instead emphasized recent upgrades to the facility. While the stadium had previously hosted IPL matches, concerns raised by Delhi Capitals over infrastructure issues temporarily hindered its inclusion in the tournament. However, following discussions with the GMR Group, ACA initiated a comprehensive renovation project on January 20, completing it by March 10.
The upgrades included 34 new rooms, 320 modern toilets (up from 53), complete LED lighting, and a revamped press gallery. Representatives from Delhi Capitals inspected the improvements and expressed satisfaction, while former cricketer Venkatapathi Raju hailed the new dressing rooms as the best in the country. However, security concerns have led to a temporary halt in elevation work at the stadium.
The ACA President also announced plans to develop Amaravati as a sports city, featuring an international cricket stadium and a dedicated sports university. The stadium, expected to be completed in two and a half years, has received approval from ICC Chairman Jay Shah following Minister Lokesh’s intervention. The Andhra Pradesh government is also focusing on grassroots development, with plans to establish cricket academies in Vizianagaram and Moolapadu. These academies aim to train young talent and provide a pathway to IPL selections.
Chinni expressed gratitude to all those involved in the Visakhapatnam stadium renovations, including the 800 workers who expedited the project. He underscored the state’s commitment to making Andhra Pradesh a hub for cricket and sports development.
Additionally, he highlighted Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu’s recent meeting with Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President PT Usha to discuss the possibility of Andhra Pradesh hosting the National Games in 2029. The Chief Minister also reviewed the state’s new sports policy and explored plans to establish a Sports Authority of India (SAI) regional centre.
According to Chinni, the government will review developments over the next three to four months, with a long-term goal of creating the necessary infrastructure to host the National Games within three years.