Uppal Stadium set for football frenzy: CM Revanth to face Lionel Messi in friendly match on Saturday

Hyderabad: For years, the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium at Uppal has been synonymous with IPL extravaganza, towering totals, blistering centuries and unforgettable partnerships.

One of the most decorated cricket venues in the country, it has earned multiple honours for pitch and ground excellence and holds a distinguished place in India’s Test cricket history.

But on Saturday, the stadium will script a brand-new chapter.

For the first time, Uppal Stadium will swap its cricketing aura for a football frenzy as Argentinian superstar Lionel Messi lands in Hyderabad for The GOAT Tour.

Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy and his team, called RR-9, will be having a friendly match with the football legend on December 13. The CM jersey will have the number 9.

A cricket fortress turns football stage

With the announcement of a football event inside a premier cricket facility, the obvious question surfaced: How will the pitch withstand the impact of players wearing studs? The Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) has addressed these concerns and assured that the international-standard cricket square will remain untouched and unharmed.

Only a small portion of the ground is in use

Since the scheduled event is a 7-a-side football exhibition, only a limited area of the outfield will be utilised. The temporary football field will be set up in front of the South Stand. The designated playing area measures 35 metres in width and 50 metres in length.

This restricted layout ensures the turf remains 20 feet away from the main pitch block. HCA officials confirm that none of the five central pitches will meet football activity.

Pitch protection given focus

To eliminate any risk, the pitches will be completely covered throughout Saturday. Additional reinforcement is being deployed so that even if players accidentally step onto covered areas, the surface remains unharmed.

HCA sources say that since this is not a full-scale professional match but a controlled exhibition, the pitch and outfield will face no undue stress.

The exhibition match will run for just 20 minutes

Organisers have clarified that the exhibition match will run for just 20 minutes, featuring children as participants. The football clinic, where Messi is expected to share tips with young players, also avoids proximity to the pitch zone, ruling out any threat to the cricket square.

From power-hitting to precision passing

A stadium that has enthralled millions with its six-hitting spectacles is ready to echo with cheers for crisp passes and smart finishes.

On Saturday, Uppal Stadium, proud home of Hyderabad’s cricketing heritage, will momentarily transform into a football amphitheatre as it welcomes Messi and an entirely new fanfare.

State government prepares Green Channel route from airport

“We are facilitating from the Government’s end as well, Green Channel access from the airport, security arrangements and all law-and-order measures handled by Rachakonda Police,” said Jayesh Ranjan, Special Chief Secretary, Youth Advancement, Tourism and Culture Department.

Stadium ready for RR9 vs Messi10 showcase

The Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, with a seating capacity of 38,000 spectators and 59 corporate boxes, has hosted several major cricket fixtures. On Saturday, it will witness a different kind of contest, the much-awaited RR9 vs Messi10 exhibition match.