A new cricket stadium on par with international standards came into being with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami on Sunday inaugurating the the Salem Cricket Foundation (SCF)
ground at Valapadi in Salem on Sunday. Former BCCI President and former ICC Chairman N Srinivasan promised to bring an IPL match in this new venue and said iconic cricketer M S Dhoni will lead the three time winner and
five-time runner-up Chennai Super Kings (CKS) in this venue.
He also invited Mr Palaniswami to come and witness that match in this ground, which was inaugurated in the presence of former Indian skipper Rahul Dravid and TNCA President Rupa Gurunath.
Speaking on the occasion, Rahul Dravid said future cricketers of India would emerge from small districts and villages in India and such facilities would help them achieve their goal.
Constructed at a cost of Rs eight crores, the stadium has five well maintained turf wickets, 12 practice turf wickets, Player pavilion, press box, huge parking facility, among
others. With the play area at a maximum capacity of 90 mts makes this ground the biggest in Tamilnadu. Mr Palaniswami said "Youngsters should utilize this new
cricket ground in all best ways possible. I want them to utilize the ground in a way that it will soon be recognized in the International level."
He also said people should involve themselves in physical exercise and sports activities to lead a healthy life. "The ground is a pioneering effort for Salem and will be
helpful in grooming the cricketers from the district to play at higher level of cricket", he added. The stadium was located on the Chennai-Salem Highway,
about 24 km from Salem Town in Kattuveppilapatti village in Valapadi.