Inter Kashi FC Sign MOU with CM Anglo Bengali College for Rs 60 Crore AFC-Compliant Stadium in Varanasi

Inter Kashi FC have taken a monumental step toward establishing permanent football infrastructure in Uttar Pradesh by signing a Memorandum of Understanding with CM Anglo Bengali College to construct an Asian Football Confederation compliant stadium in Varanasi at an estimated cost of Rs 60 crore. The announcement marks a watershed moment for football development in India’s most populous state and provides long-term clarity for the recently promoted Indian Super League club.

Historic Partnership for Football Infrastructure

The partnership between Inter Kashi and CM Anglo Bengali College, a historic educational institution established in 1898 by social reformer Chintamani Mukherjee, represents an innovative model for sports infrastructure development in India. The collaboration leverages the college’s substantial land holdings in the Bhelupur area of Varanasi while providing Inter Kashi with a permanent home venue capable of hosting elite-level domestic and international football.

“When the football ecosystem was uncertain and people were asking where Inter Kashi would play, we chose to answer with action,” Inter Kashi management stated. “A permanent home isn’t just infrastructure, it’s a statement of intent and belief in the future of Indian football.”

The stadium project comes at a crucial juncture for Inter Kashi, who were forced to relocate over 1,100 kilometers from their home city to Guwahati’s Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium for the current ISL season due to inadequate football facilities in Varanasi. The club’s initial proposal to use Lucknow’s Ekana Stadium was rejected by the All India Football Federation due to insufficient football infrastructure, while their preferred Sigra Stadium remains under construction for cricket facilities.

AFC Compliance Standards and Technical Specifications

The proposed stadium will adhere to stringent Asian Football Confederation standards, positioning it among India’s elite football venues. AFC compliance requires comprehensive infrastructure specifications including minimum seating capacity, pitch dimensions and quality, floodlighting standards, media facilities, dressing rooms, medical facilities, and security provisions. Inter Kashi will become only the second club in India after Jamshedpur FC to possess a dedicated home venue meeting these international standards.

The Rs 60 crore investment will encompass not just the playing surface and seating arrangements but also comprehensive training facilities, youth development infrastructure, administrative offices, and commercial spaces. This integrated approach reflects Inter Kashi’s broader vision of creating a holistic football ecosystem rather than merely constructing a matchday venue.

Strategic Location in Varanasi

The selection of Varanasi as Inter Kashi’s base represents a calculated strategy to tap into Uttar Pradesh’s massive population and untapped football potential. With over 200 million residents, UP represents India’s largest state by population yet has historically lacked professional-standard football venues and consistent talent development pathways.

Dr Vinod Dugar, founder of the RDB Group and owner of Inter Kashi, explained the rationale behind choosing Varanasi: “The main aim of choosing Kashi was the population of the state. UP’s huge population will allow us a huge fan base and a large pool of young players to choose from if nurtured properly.”

Varanasi’s cultural and spiritual significance as one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities adds unique appeal to Inter Kashi’s project. The city’s growing sports infrastructure, including the under-construction international cricket stadium valued at Rs 450 crore, demonstrates government commitment to establishing Varanasi as a multi-sport destination.

The stadium site’s proximity to CM Anglo Bengali College in the Bhelupur locality provides excellent connectivity through Varanasi’s expanding transportation network. The area is accessible via the Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, Varanasi Junction railway station, and improved road infrastructure including the Varanasi Ring Road project.

Timeline and Construction Phases

While Inter Kashi have not announced a specific completion timeline for the stadium project, industry analysis suggests a construction period of 18 to 24 months for a facility of this scale and complexity. The club aims to have the venue operational before the 2026-27 ISL season, allowing them to return home after their temporary sojourn in Guwahati.

The construction will likely follow a phased approach to ensure compliance with AFC standards while managing costs effectively. Initial phases will focus on pitch preparation, basic infrastructure, and essential facilities required for league matches. Subsequent phases will add enhanced spectator amenities, commercial spaces, and ancillary facilities.

Inter Kashi have acknowledged support from the Uttar Pradesh Football Sangh in facilitating the stadium project, placing on record their appreciation for Secretary Md Shahid and President Arvind Menon for their continued guidance. State government backing could prove instrumental in expediting land clearances, utility connections, and regulatory approvals.

Impact on Uttar Pradesh Football Ecosystem

The stadium’s development is expected to catalyze football growth across Uttar Pradesh, a state that has traditionally lagged behind regions like Goa, Kerala, and West Bengal in football infrastructure and participation. The presence of ISL-level football in Varanasi will likely influence participation across age groups, particularly among younger players, with increased exposure shifting perceptions of football as a viable professional option.

Inter Kashi have already established the Atlético de Bharat Residential Academy in Sant Atulanand Convent School in partnership with director Dr Vandana Singh, providing structured training for U-13, U-15, and U-17 age groups. The club launched this academy in March 2025, complementing their collaboration with Spanish giants Atlético Madrid and Andorran club Inter Escaldes.

The new stadium will serve as the centerpiece of this expanding ecosystem, providing professional training facilities and matchday experience that can nurture local talent. Inter Kashi’s youth teams have already begun competitive participation, with their U-17 side competing in the Indian Youth League and U-13 team participating in the Sub Junior Youth League.

Broader Implications for Indian Football

Inter Kashi’s stadium announcement arrives amid broader uncertainty in Indian football, with the Indian Super League’s delayed start date and ongoing negotiations over commercial rights creating instability. By committing to permanent infrastructure investment, Inter Kashi have signaled confidence in Indian football’s long-term trajectory despite short-term challenges.

The club’s promotion to the ISL through a controversial route involving Court of Arbitration for Sport intervention highlighted infrastructure deficiencies that threatened their participation. Their 2024-25 I-League championship triumph was overshadowed by disputes over player eligibility and venue issues. The permanent stadium resolves these concerns definitively, ensuring Inter Kashi can focus on sporting performance rather than logistical complications.

Officials have indicated that once the stadium is aligned to national and international standards, Varanasi could be considered for marquee fixtures including national team matches, subject to regulatory approvals. This potential elevates the project’s significance beyond Inter Kashi’s immediate needs, positioning it as a venue capable of hosting high-profile international competitions.

Financial Model and Sustainability

The Rs 60 crore investment represents substantial commitment from the RDB Group, Inter Kashi’s ownership, particularly given the financial challenges facing many ISL clubs. The collaboration with CM Anglo Bengali College likely involves favorable land lease arrangements that reduce upfront capital requirements while providing the educational institution with enhanced sports facilities for student use.

Inter Kashi will need to develop sustainable revenue streams from the stadium to justify this investment. Potential income sources include matchday ticket sales, corporate hospitality packages, naming rights sponsorship, commercial retail spaces, event hosting fees for non-football activities, and government grants for sports infrastructure development.

The stadium could also serve as home venue for Inter Kashi’s women’s team, launched recently as part of the club’s expansion strategy. Dr Dugar emphasized the importance of women’s football development, stating: “When we researched in different parts of UP, we saw many young girls willing to play but without having enough scope. We can see that India’s political class is vocal on women’s empowerment and women’s sports, so why shouldn’t we be a part of it?“

Vision for Indian Football’s Future

Inter Kashi’s stadium development aligns with broader aspirations for Indian football infrastructure improvement. The sport has historically suffered from inadequate venues, with many clubs playing in multi-purpose stadiums unsuited to football’s specific requirements. Purpose-built football stadiums create superior matchday experiences, enable better pitch maintenance, and demonstrate professional commitment that attracts sponsors and fans.

“Our ultimate aim is to create a team which supplies players to the national team,” Dr Dugar explained, articulating a vision extending beyond commercial success to national football development. The permanent stadium serves as tangible manifestation of this long-term thinking, providing infrastructure foundation for sustained talent production.

As Indian football navigates governance challenges, commercial uncertainties, and competitive pressures, projects like Inter Kashi’s stadium offer grounds for optimism. They represent private sector willingness to invest substantially in football infrastructure despite economic risks, confidence in the sport’s growth trajectory, and commitment to regional development beyond traditional football strongholds.

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