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The echoes of the thrilling India vs New Zealand men’s ODI victory on January 11, 2026, at the Baroda Cricket Association (BCA) Stadium in Kotambi are still ringing in Vadodara, but there is no time for the BCA team to rest on their laurels. Fresh off the historic success of hosting an international men’s ODI after a 15-year drought, BCA President Pranav Amin—widely regarded as the “captain” of Team BCA—has already shifted gears into high preparation mode for the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026. With the tournament now underway and Kotambi set to host the second phase, including 11 crucial matches, the Eliminator on February 3, and the grand Final on February 5, the focus is firmly on delivering another flawless spectacle.
The January 11 ODI was a massive triumph, drawing a capacity crowd of over 30,000 enthusiastic fans who witnessed India’s commanding 4-wicket chase of New Zealand’s 300/8, powered by Virat Kohli’s 93, Shubman Gill’s 56, and KL Rahul’s unbeaten 29*. The stadium’s world-class facilities—premium seating, excellent spectator views, floodlights, efficient traffic management on the Halol highway, and robust security—earned widespread praise. Pranav Amin’s hands-on leadership ensured seamless execution, from pre-match inspections to post-match reflections, reaffirming Vadodara’s status as a premier cricketing destination.
Fresh Preparations Underway for WPL 2026
Just hours after the ODI celebrations, Team BCA, led by Pranav Amin, rolled up their sleeves for the next big challenge. WPL 2026 kicked off on January 9 in Navi Mumbai, but the action shifts to Kotambi Stadium starting January 19, with Gujarat Giants facing Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the first match at the venue. Key fixtures include Delhi Capitals vs Mumbai Indians on January 20, and several high-profile clashes leading up to the playoffs. Evening games under floodlights at 7:30 PM IST promise electric atmospheres, with ticket sales already surging.
Pranav Amin has emphasized meticulous planning: coordinating with the BCCI, Gujarat Giants (who will play multiple home games), local authorities, and stakeholders to ensure top-tier hospitality, security, parking, and fan experience. Local businesses are gearing up for crowds, schools are organizing group outings, and Barodians are rallying to support stars like Ashleigh Gardner and other WPL icons. This rapid transition highlights the BCA’s readiness to host back-to-back major events without missing a beat.
Pranav Amin’s Journey: Building Kotambi Stadium from Scratch to Housefull Glory
The secret to this seamless momentum lies in Pranav Amin’s extraordinary vision and perseverance. Elected BCA President in 2019 and re-elected unanimously in 2023, Amin transformed a long-delayed dream into reality. Plans for an international-standard stadium dated back to the early 2000s, with promises during BCA elections as far back as 2001. Yet, the project faced relentless hurdles: land acquisition issues from around 2009, bureaucratic delays for non-agricultural permissions, skyrocketing costs , but TEAM BCA managed every thing under the leadership of Pranav Amin.
A pivotal Memorandum of Understanding in 2015 between the Gujarat government and BCA allocated 29 acres in Kotambi at an estimated cost of ₹200–250 crore. Despite a foundation laid earlier, progress stalled for over a decade. Amin’s hands-on leadership changed everything. As an industrialist and son of former BCCI treasurer Chirayu Amin, he secured funding, navigated approvals, and personally oversaw every phase of construction from barren land to a state-of-the-art marvel.
Key features include floodlights, balanced pitches (favoring batsmen with assistance for bowlers), indoor practice wickets, a modern gym, swimming pool, banquet hall, and premium player facilities. The 2023 reconciliation with Maharaja Samarjitsinh Gaekwad unified the BCA, pooling resources and accelerating the final push. BCA members executed critical tasks, volunteers coordinated logistics, and proud Barodians supported through rallies and community backing.
The stadium officially opened on December 22, 2024, debuting with a women’s ODI series against West Indies. Its seating capacity of 30,000–40,000 (often reported around 35,000–40,000) turned housefull for the recent ODI, proving Amin’s “one-man army” approach—often called the captain steering Baroda cricket—delivered a world-class venue ready for global events.
A Relentless Future Ahead
With WPL 2026 matches approaching fast, Vadodara remains buzzing. Pranav Amin’s leadership has not only ended the 15-year international drought but positioned Kotambi as a multi-format powerhouse, with potential for IPL fixtures on the horizon. The city that once waited is now hosting, cheering, and inspiring generations.
No time to relax—Team BCA, under Captain Pranav Amin, is already charging toward the next historic chapter. Vadodara’s cricketing story is just getting started!
