Madurai experienced an incredible surge of excitement on Thursday as former India captain MS Dhoni made his grand entry to inaugurate a brand-new international-standard cricket stadium. Hundreds of ecstatic fans swarmed the Madurai airport, their chants of “Dhoni, Dhoni” echoing loudly as the Chennai Super Kings captain appeared in his signature sunglasses and casual attire.
Social media platforms were abuzz with videos showing the 44-year-old waving warmly to supporters who had gathered hours in advance, eager for a glimpse of the two-time World Cup-winning leader.
The impressive new facility, officially named the Velammal Cricket Stadium, is a collaborative effort between the Velammal Educational Trust and the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA). Reports indicate the project involved an investment of approximately ₹325 crore and spans across 11.5 acres.
Currently, the stadium can host 7,300 spectators, with ambitious plans to expand its capacity to 20,000 in the coming years. It boasts a Centre of Excellence, dedicated practice nets, advanced drainage systems, and modern floodlights, making it ready to host major tournaments such as the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL), Ranji Trophy, and even future IPL matches.
Throughout the day, preparations for the inauguration were meticulously underway, highlighting the event’s significance as a major milestone for cricket development in Tamil Nadu, extending beyond Chennai. Once fully operational, this venue will proudly stand as the second-largest cricket ground in the state, after Chepauk.
Further viral videos captured the veteran wicketkeeper-batter receiving a sensational welcome inside the stadium itself, complete with dazzling fireworks and thunderous applause. He was then escorted on a buggy for a tour of the expansive grounds.
Earlier in the week, Dhoni had already garnered significant online attention for an unexpected reason, having been spotted sporting a Mumbai Indians jersey during what appeared to be a friendly football match.