Madurai airport was swamped by MS Dhoni fans as India's legendary skipper arrived in the city to inaugurate an international-standard cricket stadium on Thursday. A video of the crowd gathering in large numbers and cheering for the former India captain surfaced on social media. Dhoni reciprocated to the rousing reception by waving towards the fans.
The stadium has been developed by the Velammal Educational Trust with the support of the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA).
மதுரை மண்ணில் தல தோனி.. கூலிங் கிளாஸுடன் என்ட்ரி.. தோனி தோனி என கத்தி ஆரவாரம் செய்த ரசிகர்கள்..கிரிக்கெட் ஸ்டேடியத்தை திறந்து வைக்க வந்தவருக்கு விமான நிலையத்தில் உற்சாக வரவேற்பு....!#Madurai | #MSDhoni | #MahendraSinghDhoni | #PolimerNewspic.twitter.com/EOPuLw50Lu— Polimer News (@polimernews) October 9, 2025
Meanwhile, preparations at the stadium are already underway to make the historic occasion a memorable affair.
Meanwhile, as per reports the Velammal Cricket Stadium boasts of world-class facilities. It has an inbuilt Centre of Excellence centre and practice net centre, painting a promising picture of the sport in the region.
Reports claimed it took Rs 325 crore to complete the project and is spread across 11.5 acres near the Velammal Hospital on Chinthamani Ring Road. It added that the drainage system, floodlights, and security are well-equipped. The capacity at the moment stands at 7,300 but plans are to expand it to 20,000.
Reportedly, once operational it will be Tamil Nadu's second-largest stadium after Chepauk and if things remain great as the inauguration the venue is expected to host Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) matches, Ranji Trophy clashes. However, international and IPL fixture remain doubtful.
The development comes a day after completed the DGCA Drone Pilot Certification programme. The former India and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain underwent a training program and obtained a drone pilot licence from Garuda Aerospace. He is now eligible to fly drones.
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