Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (September 23) laid the foundation stone for a new international cricket stadium set to be built in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.

PM Modi was joined by Indian cricket legends such as Sachin Tendulkar, Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev, Ravi Shastri and Dilip Vengsarkar in Varanasi, alongside BCCI President Roger Binny and honorary secretary Jay Shah.

On the occasion, Tendulkar also gifted an Indian cricket team shirt to PM Modi, with 'NAMO' written at the back.

Speaking after laying the foundation stone, PM Modi said: "Today, the foundation stone for an international cricket stadium in Varanasi was laid. This is going to be a blessing for the youth of Purvanchal. The whole world is getting connected with India through cricket. New countries are now coming forward to play cricket."

The Uttar Pradesh government is said to have spent Rs 121 crore on acquiring the land for the stadium while the Board of Control for Cricket in India will spend Rs 330 crore on its construction.

The stadium will have a seating capacity of 30,000 spectators and seven pitches. Situated near the Ring Road in Rajatalab area, it is expected to be completed by December 2025.

(With ANI Inputs)