Ladakh plans world's highest cricket stadium to make India's newest high-altitude venue

The joint capital and the largest city of the union territory of Ladakh in India, Leh, may see cricket being played at a higher altitude, with plans being arranged to build a giant stadium at an altitude of nearly 11800 feet, which is around 3600 meters above sea level. 

As of now, the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad is the largest in India and has a massive capacity to help the massive spectators come and enjoy the game. That’s why the venue has held several iconic games, including Indian Premier League (IPL) finals and the ODI and T20 World Cup finals.

Rs 100-crore Ranbirpur cricket stadium proposed at 11,800 feet near Leh, set to break altitude records

If completed, the planned venue could be among the highest altitude cricket stadiums in the world. The proposed Ranbirpur Cricket venue is coming up nearly 19-20 km from Leh town and is expected to accommodate nearly 40000 people, as renovation may cost between INR 100 and INR 116 crore.

The Leh Public Works Department (PWD) is reported to have floated a tender in August this year for the arrangement of a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the stadium. The DPR will decide the key aspects of the project, including the final design.

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The proposed stadium of India can also promote the game and boost sports tourism, apart from improving the sports infrastructure of Ladakh. The planned venue will be around 3800 feet higher than the Chali Cricket Ground in Himachal Pradesh, which is one of the country’s highest cricket grounds at 8000 feet.

The proposed site of the Ranbirpur Cricket Stadium at an altitude of around 11800 feet could put Leh in a unique position on the map of world cricket.  

From Dharamsala's HPCA stadium to Ladakh's new project — A look at India's high-altitude cricket venues

The planned venue in Leh is expected to be around 11800 feet above sea level, as it’s estimated at INR 100 crore to INR 116 crore with a projected 40000 spectator capacity. The Chil Cricket Ground in HP is situated at 8018 feet above the sea and is recognized as one of the highest cricket pitches in the world.

The Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association in Dharamsala is perched at an altitude of 4791 feet as it’s in India’s premier international high-altitude venue, framed by the snow-capped range.

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The physical stamina will be a massive challenge for the players, while the reduced air density at the high elevations causes the ball to travel faster and farther through the air. The new Ladakh venue will try to merge elite athletic training with regional sports.