Dikhyaa Mohanty 
Odisha Cricket Association (OCA) Secretary Sanjay Behera announced on Wednesday that Barabati Stadium will be fully demolished in order to carry out the transformation plan, only hours after 5T Chairman VK Pandian’s arrival.
“The lower parts of the stadium was constructed at 1952 and there were some add-ons later. We can take up the transformation work in parts but to be able to converted it into a stadium of international standard, we have to develop a structure that can last for 40-50 years. We had requested the state government for developing an integrated sports complex at Barabati and transform it into a villa. The state government, BBCI and OCA will jointly develop this sports area. We have an overall view of the stadium. The feasibility report is being prepared and it will take another two months before we can come up with a blueprint,” he said.
He said that the OCA and the state government would invest about Rs 600 crore in it. The transformational work will be executed within the state government’s 5T plan, as previously disclosed by the CMO. With the greatest facilities for cricket and other sports, the stadium area will be transformed into a top-notch sports complex.
International standards will be met by the fans in terms of parking, food courts, restrooms, and easy access to the stadium from the roadways, galleries, and seats for the matches. There will be facilities on campus for several sports. A five-star hotel, offices, and a shopping mall are planned for the region next to the Barabati Stadium. One of the primary open places for the people of Cuttack city will be the public plaza that will be built in front of the stadium.
Pandian later spoke with the players and coaches. He promised that the 5T transformation will prioritize the development of cricket and that the state will see the construction of cricket training facilities with top-notch coaching. The goal is to establish Odisha as a significant, up-and-coming cricketing state.
