Thiruvananthapuram: In a significant boost to Kerala's cricketing infrastructure, the Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) has successfully extended its lease on the prestigious cricket ground at St. Xavier’s College, Thumba, securing rights to operate and develop the venue until 2042. The renewed agreement, inked with the college management, ensures the continuation of a 16-year-old partnership that has played a pivotal role in shaping the state’s cricketing landscape.
The lease, originally signed in 2009 for a period of 16 years, formally ended in May 2025. With the latest extension, the total lease period now spans 33 years, reflecting mutual trust between KCA and the college administration. The new contract allows KCA to retain full operational and maintenance responsibilities of the 6.3-acre sports facility, including the main playing arena, practice pitches, and the pavilion.
Located in Menamkulam village, near the Technopark hub of Thiruvananthapuram, the St. Xavier’s – KCA Cricket Ground has steadily evolved into one of the most important venues in Kerala’s cricketing circuit. The ground is renowned for having the largest boundaries among stadiums in the state, offering a true test of skill for batters and bowlers alike.
The facility boasts 12 pitches, out of which eight are classified as BCCI first-class standard, allowing the venue to host official board matches and high-level domestic fixtures. Additionally, two turf wickets are designated for practice sessions, catering to both elite and developmental squads.
Since its debut as a first-class venue in the 2017 Ranji Trophy season, the stadium has hosted over 25 major matches, including several Senior Men’s BCCI fixtures, and has welcomed prominent teams like India A, England Lions, and South Africa A. The quality of the ground and its amenities have helped place Kerala firmly on India’s domestic cricket map.
Vinod S. Kumar, Secretary of the Kerala Cricket Association, described the lease extension as a “crucial step in safeguarding the future of cricket in the state.” He noted that the renewed trust shown by the college allows KCA to undertake further development of the facility without fear of uncertainty. "This ground has already proven its value in Kerala’s cricketing journey. With this new agreement, we are now ready to take it to the next level," he said.
Rev. Fr. Sunny Jose S.J., Manager of St. Xavier’s College, echoed similar sentiments, stating that the collaboration is rooted in a shared vision for youth empowerment through sports. "We see this ground as more than just a sports facility it is a field of opportunity for future champions," he remarked.
While KCA retains exclusive rights to manage and schedule matches at the ground, the agreement ensures continued access for college students. As part of the understanding, the institution will be allowed to conduct its own sporting events and practice sessions at scheduled times, ensuring that student athletes benefit from professional-level infrastructure.
This shared-use model strengthens the connection between academics and elite sports training, helping identify and groom young cricketing talent directly from campuses.
The move is part of KCA’s statewide strategy to develop cricketing hubs across Kerala by partnering with educational institutions and local bodies. A similar development initiative is underway at CMS College, Kottayam, where the association has begun laying the foundation for another high-standard ground.
The Thumba facility will also play a key role in hosting youth camps, district tournaments, women’s matches, and coaching clinics, thus widening the cricketing base across southern Kerala. Moreover, its proximity to the capital city and Technopark increases accessibility for professional players, students, and spectators alike.
The lease extension brings stability, continuity, and confidence to the Kerala cricket ecosystem. It ensures that long-term investments in infrastructure such as pitch quality, drainage systems, player amenities, and seating capacity can now be undertaken without disruption.
In the coming years, KCA aims to:
• Host more BCCI-sanctioned domestic tournaments
• Introduce floodlight systems to accommodate day-night matches
• Build spectator-friendly stands and digital scoreboards
• Launch grassroots cricket development programs for local schools
By renewing the lease on the St. Xavier’s College ground, KCA is not just extending a contract it is reaffirming its commitment to excellence, inclusivity, and sustainable sports infrastructure. This development is likely to inspire similar collaborations across Kerala, propelling the state closer to becoming a consistent cricketing powerhouse in India.
As both KCA and St. Xavier’s College move forward hand in hand, the Thumba cricket ground stands as a glowing example of what can be achieved when education, sports, and community vision come together.