The Bihar government has taken a significant step toward strengthening its sports infrastructure and bringing international cricket to the state. The Nitish Kumar Cabinet has approved a proposal to transfer the management of the newly built Rajgir International Cricket Stadium to the Bihar Cricket Association (BCA). This landmark decision effectively clears the way for both national and international cricket matches to be held in Bihar, a state that has long aspired to feature on the global cricketing map.
Arvind Kumar Chaudhary, the Additional Chief Secretary of the Cabinet Secretariat Department, announced that the cabinet had granted “in-principle approval” for transferring the management of the Rajgir State Sports Academy-cum-International Cricket Stadium to the BCA. The BCA, being affiliated with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), is well-positioned to handle the responsibility of organizing high-profile matches. Chaudhary emphasized that this decision opens up the possibility of hosting domestic as well as international tournaments, thus giving Bihar a long-awaited opportunity to showcase its sporting capabilities on a larger stage.
In addition to this, the cabinet also approved a substantial financial outlay of ₹574.34 crore for acquiring 101 acres of land in Dumri, Punpun. This land will be used to construct a major sports complex aimed at enhancing opportunities for large-scale sports competitions. The proposed facility will not only serve as a venue for high-profile events but will also provide advanced training infrastructure for athletes across various disciplines. Chaudhary highlighted that Bihar has made notable progress in the field of sports in recent years and such infrastructure projects will ensure that the state’s youth gain access to improved training platforms and competitive opportunities.
Another key decision by the government was the approval of a new recruitment mechanism for athletes under the Bihar Exceptional Players Direct Recruitment Rules, 2023. Under this scheme, 10 athletes from Bihar — comprising five men and five women — will be directly recruited to government jobs. This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to supporting sporting talent and offering career stability to athletes who have brought recognition to the state.
The Bihar Cricket Association warmly welcomed the government’s decision. In a press conference held in Patna, the BCA stated that the move would “give Bihar cricket a new identity.” By providing international-standard facilities and infrastructure, the association believes that the decision will help in nurturing new cricketing talent and putting Bihar on par with other cricketing hubs of India.
The Rajgir International Cricket Stadium itself is a landmark project. Built at a cost of ₹750 crore, the stadium sits on a sprawling 90-acre campus. It features both indoor and outdoor stadiums with facilities to host sports events across 24 disciplines, making it one of the most versatile sports complexes in the region. The stadium, with a seating capacity of 40,000 spectators, is expected to be fully ready by the end of the year. Once complete, it will host domestic matches and eventually international fixtures, firmly placing Bihar on the cricketing map of India and the world.
This initiative forms part of the Bihar government’s broader vision to strengthen sports infrastructure across the state. By combining large-scale investments, modern facilities, and athlete-friendly policies, the state aims to encourage participation in sports, support emerging talent, and ensure Bihar’s presence in national and international sporting arenas. Ultimately, the Rajgir stadium and the associated sports complex will not only boost cricket but will also serve as a catalyst for holistic sports development in Bihar.