For several generations, the cricket enthusiasts in Delhi called Arun Jaitley Stadium as Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium. Then in 2019, it was rechristened as Arun Jaitley Stadium. But do you know the real reason why Feroz Shah Kotla stadium became Arun Jaitley Stadium?
Well, here at PitchVaani; we will help you take a fresher perspective of it. Was it a political move or a tribute to Delhi & District Cricket Association president.
Arun Jaitley Connection with Delhi & District Cricket Association Cricket
Arun Jaitley was closely associated with Delhi District Cricket Association. He served as DDCA president from 1999 to 2013. Here are some reasons why the stadium’s name was changed:
- Arun Jaitley made extensive efforts to develop stadium’s infrastructure.
- He modernised the facilities offered at Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium.
- Keeping in mind present day trends, he improved the capacity of Arun Jaitley Stadium, developed modern dressing rooms for cricketers.
- Delhi & District Cricket Association team described him as the torchbearer of Delhi Cricket.
These are the reasons why Feroz Shah Kotla Became Arun Jaitley Stadium.
Death of Arun Jaitley
Arun Jaitley died on August 24, 2019. Just three days later, on 27 August 2019, DDCA announced the stadium renaming and framed the decision as a memorial tribute.
Why was Feroz Shah Kotla renamed Arun Jaitley Stadium—History Made
The renaming of the stadium was done on September 12, 2019 at a ceremony held at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. The event earmarked attendees from public domains. A pavilion stand was also named after Virat Kohli.
The name changed, but the story of the ground did not.
For older Delhi cricket fans, Feroz Shah Kotla remains the familiar name. For newer generations, Arun Jaitley Stadium is the official identity they know.
The two names therefore tell different parts of the same story: Feroz Shah Kotla connects the stadium to its historic location, while Arun Jaitley Stadium commemorates the person Delhi & District Cricket Association credited with helping shape modern Delhi cricket at the venue.
Location and address of Arun Jaitley Stadium
| Location Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Stadium Name | Arun Jaitley Stadium |
| Former Name | Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium |
| Official Location | Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, New Delhi |
| Nearby Landmark | Feroz Shah Kotla area |
| PIN Code | 110002 |
| Nearest Metro | Delhi Gate Metro Station, Violet Line |
| Major Railway Terminal | New Delhi Railway Station |
| Nearest Airport | Indira Gandhi International Airport |
For more details read how to reach Arun Jaitley Stadium.
