The 1919 Sportz Cricket Stadium in Verna, which is planning a 30,000-seat expansion with ambitions of hosting IPL matches.
VASCO
What began as a modest practice ground for two children in Verna is now positioning itself as Goa’s boldest sporting bet.
On most evenings, as the sun dips behind Verna’s industrial skyline, the floodlights at the 1919 Sportz Cricket Stadium flicker on — not just illuminating a ground, but a growing ambition.
The 1919 Sportz Cricket Stadium is preparing for a dramatic leap — from a growing cricket venue to a proposed 30,000-capacity arena that could one day host Indian Premier League matches.
For stadium owner Kamla Prasad Yadav, the ambition goes beyond cricket. It is about placing Goa firmly on India’s sports tourism map.
“When I built this ground, it was simply for my children to practice,” Yadav recalled. “Today, it stands as one of the biggest cricketing facilities in the State. The journey has been emotional.”
The limelight
The turning point, he says, came when India’s T20 captain Suryakumar Yadav inaugurated the stadium just a day after India lifted the Asia Cup.
“That moment gave the ground national visibility and filled Goans with pride,” he said.
Momentum built further when the Delhi Capitals women’s team selected the venue as their practice base. Their endorsement opened new doors.
Soon after, the stadium hosted the Legends PRO T20 League — a tournament that brought 90 former international stars together for 18 matches at a single venue, making it the largest cricket event ever staged in Goa.
Business ecosystem
According to estimates linked to the Legends League, tourism and allied sectors could generate nearly Rs 300 crore in economic activity. For a State heavily reliant on seasonal tourism, year-round sporting events offer diversification — and insulation.
But Yadav’s vision stretches far beyond individual tournaments.
The proposed expansion to 30,000 seats is central to his long-term plan of attracting marquee events, including IPL fixtures. He estimates the transformation could take about three years, provided infrastructure upgrades move as planned.
“This is not just about cricket matches,” Yadav explained. “It is about building an ecosystem. When big tournaments come, hotels fill up, taxis run, restaurants thrive and local businesses benefit. Sports tourism can become a major pillar of Goa’s economy.”
Significant investments have already been made. Around Rs 4 crore has been spent on upgrading floodlights, improving access roads and enhancing facilities to meet professional league standards. Maintenance alone costs between Rs 5 and Rs 6 lakh per month — an expense Yadav describes as the price of passion.
“A cricket stadium is not a profitable venture. It is a white elephant financially,” he admitted with a smile. “But some dreams are not measured in balance sheets.”
The blueprint
The larger blueprint includes establishing a full-fledged cricket academy on adjacent land. A free coaching camp conducted during the Diwali holidays drew nearly 80 students, underscoring growing grassroots interest. Plans are underway to operationalise a permanent academy within six to seven months, along with structured summer programmes.
“The ground is open to anyone serious about promoting cricket in Goa,” Yadav said. “If a talented youngster wants to pursue professional cricket, the facilities will be made available.”
Global mark
International prospects are also being explored. According to Yadav, proposals have come from the United Kingdom for bilateral series, from the UAE for practice matches, and from former international players keen on hosting extended coaching camps in Goa.
The IPL dream remains the headline ambition. Yadav believes Goa deserves not only IPL matches but eventually its own franchise, particularly with the growing scope of expansion in the women’s IPL. “There are strong business houses in Goa. With the right infrastructure, a Goan IPL team is not unrealistic,” he asserted.
Changing narrative
For a State globally known for beaches and nightlife, the idea of becoming a sporting destination may seem ambitious. Yet, with strategic investment and sustained event hosting, Verna’s expanding stadium could mark the beginning of a new chapter — one where cricket, tourism and commerce converge.
For decades, Goa’s global image has been beaches, nightlife and football nostalgia.
Cricket, at the highest level, has remained an outsider.
But under Verna’s floodlights, a different narrative is taking shape — one that blends private passion with public aspiration, infrastructure with tourism, and ambition with timing.
If the plans materialise, Goa’s next big draw may not just be the sea — but the stadium lights. And perhaps one day, instead of just cheering on television, Goans may watch IPL fireworks from their own stands.
