The new stadium would be located at Karunkuzhipallam, about 25 km from Chennai, on a 50-acre plot on Old Mahabalipuram Road, Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) Secretary Kasi Viswanathan said over phone from Tiruchirappalli on Tuesday.

The state government had alloted the land for the stadium, which would cost over Rs 100 crore, to the TNCA on a 30 year lease.

“The stadium will have a seating capacity of 50,000 to 60,000 spectators. Everything is in a fluid state now. We have only taken the initial step in remitting Rs one lakh as first year’s payment towards the lease,” Viswanathan said.

“Firstly we have to take possession of the land. We will go strictly by the government order, which stipulates that all facilities to be set up would be used for the game of cricket only. Formal signing of the agreement between the government and the TNCA will take place shortly,” he added.

Viswanathan insisted that the Chepauk Ground at M A Chidambaram stadium would also be used for cricketing purposes as the present lease of the stadium expires in 2015.

Speaking about the new venue, the secretary said, “Apart from the state-of-the-art stadium with a couple of turf pitches, we will also have three more grounds to accommodate our league fixtures, besides facilities like gymnasium, swimming pool and indoor practice area.”

Viswanathan said the new stadium was expected to cost over Rs 100 crore. The TNCA would get 50 per cent subsidy from the Board of Control for Cricket in India.

He also said that the association never stated that it was planning to have the stadium to accommodate one lakh spectators as reported in a section of the media.

“There is a standard draft agreement with the Tamil Nadu Government. TNCA will strictly adhere to that,” he said.

On boarding and lodging facilities for players and officials during matches, he said they would be accommodated in five star hotels coming up nearby.

He said the financial implications of constructing the stadium and other facilities were being finalised.