Raipur’s International Stadium Gears Up for Two High-Profile Matches: India vs South Africa in December, India vs New Zealand in January
Raipur: The Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium in Nava Raipur is set to once again showcase top-tier international cricket, with two major fixtures scheduled over the next few months. The iconic venue will host a One Day International (ODI) between India and South Africa on December 3, 2025, followed by a high-voltage T20 International (T20I) clash between India and New Zealand on January 23, 2026.
This marks a significant milestone for Chhattisgarh, as these matches will be the third and fourth international fixtures to be played at the venue, further cementing its status as a premier cricketing destination in central India.
🇮🇳 IND vs SA: December 3, 2025 – A Key ODI Showdown
As part of South Africa’s white-ball tour of India, Raipur will host the second ODI of the three-match series. The match is expected to draw massive crowds, as it will feature top Indian and South African players at a venue known for its electric atmosphere and modern facilities. With the first ODI in Ranchi (Nov 30) and the third in Visakhapatnam (Dec 6), Raipur’s game will serve as a pivotal clash in the series.
🇮🇳 IND vs NZ: January 23, 2026 – High-Intensity T20I
Following the South Africa series, Raipur will return to the spotlight with the second T20I of the five-match India–New Zealand series. The tour begins with three ODIs from January 11, 2026, and the T20I leg starts in Nagpur on January 21. Raipur will host the second game on January 23, before the series moves to Guwahati (Jan 25), Visakhapatnam (Jan 28), and concludes in Thiruvananthapuram (Jan 31).
This will be the first time New Zealand will play in Chhattisgarh, making the event all the more special for cricket fans in the region.
About the Venue
The Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium, with a seating capacity of around 65,000, is the third-largest cricket stadium in India. Since hosting its first ODI in 2023 (India vs New Zealand), the stadium has emerged as a favoured venue for hosting international matches outside traditional metropolitan centres. It also hosted a T20I in 2023 (India vs Australia), both of which were well-received by fans and players alike.
A Boon for Regional Cricket
The inclusion of Raipur in back-to-back international series highlights the BCCI’s continued efforts to promote cricket across tier-II cities. It also reflects the stadium’s world-class infrastructure and the increasing popularity of cricket in Chhattisgarh.
Local authorities and the Chhattisgarh State Cricket Sangh (CSCS) are expected to begin preparations in advance to ensure smooth conduct of the matches. Officials anticipate record turnout, especially with both matches falling during the peak winter cricket season.
With two major fixtures in just two months, Raipur is poised to become one of India’s emerging hubs for international cricket.
