Who Is Niranjan Shah: Rajkot Stadium Renamed After Veteran Cricket Administrator

Who Is Niranjan Shah: The Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot will now be known as the Niranjan Shah Cricket Stadium.

Veteran Cricket Administrator Niranjan Shah after whom the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium was renamed on February 14, 2024. ( Image Source :Getty )

Who Is Niranjan Shah: The Saurashtra Cricket Stadium (SCA) in Rajkot was renamed the Niranjan Shah Cricket Stadium on the eve of India's third Test match against England at the venue. With the match set to commence on February 15, a ceremony was conducted on the eve of the clash in which the stadium was officially rechristened. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) shared glimpses of the "glittering" evening in which the new name of the cricketing facility was unveiled.

ICYMI!

A glittering evening in Rajkot as the stadium is renamed as Niranjan Shah Stadium 🏟️👏#TeamIndia | #INDvENG | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/b3AWfUmx8d

— BCCI (@BCCI) February 15, 2024

Who Is Niranjan Shah After Whom The Rajkot Stadium Has Been Renamed?

Shah, after whom the stadium has been renamed, has been in the cricket administration space for a long time. Other than his understanding of the nuances of the administrative side, he understands the players' psyche as well, having played first-class cricket for Saurashtra in a career spanning from the 1965/66 to 1974/75. In addition to being the honorary secretary of the Saurashtra Cricket Association (SCA), a position he continues to serve, he has had administrative experience in different capacity, including being the honorary secretary of the BCCI, a position where he was elected four times.

The 79-year-old was also the vice-president of the BCCI from the West Zone and even served as the vice-chairman of the IPL. Moreover, he has had responsibilities such as being part of the disciplinary committee of the Indian cricket board. Much of Saurahstra cricket region's success is attributed to his vision as an administrator with the venue getting Test status with him at the helm of affairs of Saurashtra cricket.

Sunil Gavaskar, who was presented at the ceremony, credited Niranjan Shah for playing an instrumental role in turning around the fortunes of Saurashtra, who have two Ranji Trophy titles to their credit.