Nara Lokesh to Attend Andhra Premier League Final in Mangalagiri
Minister Nara Lokesh is scheduled to attend the Andhra Premier League (APL) grand finale at the newly modernized ACA International Cricket Stadium in Mangalagiri on June 30, following a successful tournament season across Andhra Pradesh.
The highly anticipated grand finale of the Andhra Premier League (APL) is set to take place at the recently refurbished ACA International Cricket Stadium in Mangalagiri on June 30. Nara Lokesh, the Minister for IT and Electronics, is expected to attend the closing match as the chief guest, confirming the growing prominence of this state-level tournament.
Kesineni Sivanath (Chinni), the president of the Andhra Cricket Association (ACA), confirmed the details regarding the final stages of the Andhra Premier League. The concluding phase, encompassing the semi-finals and the ultimate championship match, will be hosted in the capital region between June 24 and June 30. This tournament, which officially commenced on June 9 in Visakhapatnam before moving through Kadapa, has garnered significant enthusiasm and support from cricket followers throughout the state.
Stadium Upgrades and Tournament Preparations
Organizers have finalized all logistics for the concluding matches in Mangalagiri. To ensure the tournament proceeds without disruption, a reserve day has been officially designated for the final match in the event of inclement weather. Reflecting on the tournament's popularity, Kesineni Sivanath highlighted that the spectator turnout in Kadapa surpassed initial expectations, with crowds between 10,000 and 15,000 attending despite the venue's capacity being significantly lower.
The ACA International Cricket Stadium has undergone a massive modernization process. After remaining largely underutilized for several years, the facility has been elevated to international standards. Upgrades include the addition of 75 high-quality rooms, state-of-the-art dressing areas, a gymnasium, modern commentary boxes, and an advanced broadcast center. These improvements have transformed the ground into a premier sporting destination.
Looking ahead, the association anticipates the venue will host intense cricket activity for nearly 200 days annually. This projection accounts for upcoming BCCI fixtures, future seasons of the APL, and the potential inclusion of the Women's Premier League. Furthermore, the ACA has extended invitations to various district cricket associations and BCCI-affiliated bodies to witness the final, with high-profile board officials expected to be present.
The Andhra Cricket Association remains committed to decentralizing the sport by hosting matches across three distinct venues: Visakhapatnam, Kadapa, and Mangalagiri. This strategic approach aims to bring professional cricket closer to fans across the region. Officials expressed strong confidence that the Andhra Premier League will serve as a vital platform for discovering and nurturing emerging talent from rural areas, while special cultural programs are planned to enhance the overall spectator experience during the final match days.
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