Date: March 19, 2025
Ahead of IPL, YCP Protests Over Vizag Stadium Naming Issue
Vizag Gears Up for IPL Amid Political Controversy
With the highly anticipated IPL 2025 season just around the corner, cricket fans across India are gearing up for thrilling matches. This year, Vizag International Stadium will witness IPL action as Delhi Capitals has chosen it as their home ground for a few matches.
While the preparations for IPL are in full swing, a political storm is brewing over the stadium’s recent name change.
YSR Name Removed from Vizag Stadium
The YS Rajasekhar Reddy ACA – VDCA Cricket Stadium has undergone a branding change, with the YSR name board being removed. The stadium is now simply referred to as ACA – VDCA Stadium, sparking outrage among YSR Congress Party (YCP) supporters.
The decision to remove YSR’s name has triggered a strong reaction from the YSR political ecosystem. Leading to mass protests against the government’s action.
YCP Announces Protest Against Name Change of Vizag Stadium
In response to the removal of YSR’s name, the YSR Congress Party (YCP) has issued a strong statement condemning the move.
YCP’s Official Statement:
🗣️ “The alliance government has severely insulted YSR, who played a pivotal role in the development of Visakhapatnam. The YSR Congress is staging a dharna to protest the removal of YS Rajasekhar Reddy’s name from the stadium in Vizag.
YSR fans and party leaders will launch a movement on March 20, 2025. To expose the coalition government’s attempt to erase YSR’s legacy,” the party announced.
The YCP protest scheduled to take place just days before the first IPL match at the Vizag Stadium on March 24. The political tension surrounding the issue has created an unwanted distraction ahead of the big event.
TDP Supporters Call It ‘Karma’
Interestingly, this situation has drawn political parallels to a past decision made by the Jagan-led YCP government.
🔹 During Jagan Mohan Reddy’s tenure, the NTR name removed from the Health University in Vijayawada.
🔹 Now, TDP supporters claim that YCP is experiencing the same treatment with the YSR name removal from Vizag Stadium.
This political tug-of-war has added fuel to the ongoing rivalry between TDP and YCP, with each side accusing the other of disrespecting political legacies.
IPL and Politics: A Clashing Timeline
📅 IPL 2025 Schedule in Vizag:
- March 24: First IPL match at Vizag Stadium
- March 20: YCP protest against name change
With IPL matches fast approaching, many believe that political controversies could overshadow the excitement of the sport. The removal of YSR’s name may have sparked outrage, but the timing of YCP’s protest just before an IPL match raises concerns about potential disruptions.
As Vizag prepares to host IPL 2025. The question remains: Will politics take center stage, or will cricket fans get to enjoy the game without distractions?