There is no larger symbol of the global sports shutdown than cricket's 110,000-seater Sardar Patel Stadium in Ahmedabad, opened by US President Donald Trump, but yet to see a ball bowled.

India's newest and the world's biggest cricket stadium lies empty because of the coronavirus pandemic. Where there should be the sound of leather on willow and the roar of the crowd, there is only silence.

Just a few weeks ago, it had been packed to capacity as Trump and India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi stood side-by-side in a show of pomp and ceremony for the February 24 inauguration.&nbsp;

Eclipsing Australia's 100,000-capacity Melbourne Cricket Ground, it was rumoured to be in line to host the final of this year's Indian Premier League, the world's richest Twenty20 tournament, watched by millions worldwide.

But then came COVID-19. The pandemic has brought the sporting world to a grinding halt with massive events including the Tokyo Olympics, football's European Championships, golf and tennis majors, and the glitzy IPL postponed.

"There was hardly any time between the Trump event and the pandemic," a senior Gujarat Cricket Association official told AFP on condition of anonymity, adding that once cricket resumes, the stadium could be ready "in double-quick time."

"Just five percent work is remaining and it just needs the finishing touches," the official added.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has pushed back the IPL from its original start date of March 29 to April 15, but with the number of coronavirus cases in India exceeding 5,000 and still rising, pressure is growing for it to be shifted again, truncated or scrapped.

<h2>- Unobstructed views -</h2>

The $100-million, circular venue, promises unobstructed views and has state-of-the-art facilities including an Olympic-sized swimming pool as part of a multisports complex.

Next door, a refurbished venue on the site of the&nbsp;former 49,000-capacity Motera Stadium will serve as a venue for cricket, football and hockey.

Critics have charged that it is another "white elephant" vanity project in Modi's home state, following the completion of the world's largest statue there in 2018 - also dedicated to independence hero Sardar Patel.

The giant Statue of Unity measures 182 metres tall (597 feet) -- twice the height of New York's Statue of Liberty.

Modi was Gujarat chief minister for 13 years until 2014, and revamping the former Motera stadium had been long a pet project.

Home Minister Amit Shah, a close ally, headed the Gujarat Cricket Association till last year and his son Jay Shah is the secretary of the BCCI, the world's richest and most powerful cricket board.

Despite cricket being wildly popular in India, domestic first class matches -- and even some international Test matches -- are often played to near-empty stadiums.

The only matches guaranteed to attract big crowds are IPL games and one-day internationals -- and even then it depends on the quality of the opposition.

The nation of 1.3 billion people already has more than a dozen stadiums capable of hosting international cricket, although in the off-season they can be used for other events.

"You are left wondering whether it is a rock concert venue, (or) is it a cricket stadium?" ESPNcricinfo senior editor Sharda Ugra told AFP.

"I would have hoped that there would have been some analysis on the kind of grounds that India needs now.&nbsp;

"We have a lot of these giant grounds in which you have one international match in two years."

There is no larger symbol of the global sports shutdown than cricket's 110,000-seater Sardar Patel Stadium in Ahmedabad, opened by US President Donald Trump, but yet to see a ball bowled.

There is no larger symbol of the global sports shutdown than cricket's 110,000-seater Sardar Patel Stadium in Ahmedabad, opened by US President Donald Trump, but yet to see a ball bowled. India's newest and the world's biggest cricket stadium lies empty because of the coronavirus pandemic. Where there should be the sound of leather on willow and the roar of the crowd, there is only silence. Just a few weeks ago, it had been packed to capacity as Trump and India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi stood side-by-side in a show of pomp and ceremony for the February 24 inauguration. Eclipsing Australia's 100,000-capacity Melbourne Cricket Ground, it was rumoured to be in line to host the final of this year's Indian Premier League, the world's richest Twenty20 tournament, watched by millions worldwide. But then came COVID-19. The pandemic has brought the sporting world to a grinding halt with massive events including the Tokyo Olympics, football's European Championships, golf and tennis majors, and the glitzy IPL postponed. "There was hardly any time between the Trump event and the pandemic," a senior Gujarat Cricket Association official told AFP on condition of anonymity, adding that once cricket resumes, the stadium could be ready "in double-quick time." "Just five percent work is remaining and it just needs the finishing touches," the official added. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has pushed back the IPL from its original start date of March 29 to April 15, but with the number of coronavirus cases in India exceeding 5,000 and still rising, pressure is growing for it to be shifted again, truncated or scrapped. - Unobstructed views - The $100-million, circular venue, promises unobstructed views and has state-of-the-art facilities including an Olympic-sized swimming pool as part of a multisports complex. Next door, a refurbished venue on the site of the former 49,000-capacity Motera Stadium will serve as a venue for cricket, football and hockey. Critics have charged that it is another "white elephant" vanity project in Modi's home state, following the completion of the world's largest statue there in 2018 - also dedicated to independence hero Sardar Patel. The giant Statue of Unity measures 182 metres tall (597 feet) -- twice the height of New York's Statue of Liberty. Modi was Gujarat chief minister for 13 years until 2014, and revamping the former Motera stadium had been long a pet project. Home Minister Amit Shah, a close ally, headed the Gujarat Cricket Association till last year and his son Jay Shah is the secretary of the BCCI, the world's richest and most powerful cricket board. Despite cricket being wildly popular in India, domestic first class matches -- and even some international Test matches -- are often played to near-empty stadiums. The only matches guaranteed to attract big crowds are IPL games and one-day internationals -- and even then it depends on the quality of the opposition. The nation of 1.3 billion people already has more than a dozen stadiums capable of hosting international cricket, although in the off-season they can be used for other events. "You are left wondering whether it is a rock concert venue, (or) is it a cricket stadium?" ESPNcricinfo senior editor Sharda Ugra told AFP. "I would have hoped that there would have been some analysis on the kind of grounds that India needs now. "We have a lot of these giant grounds in which you have one international match in two years."

Virus prevents play at Trump-opened world's biggest cricket stadium

It was an action packed day for US President Donald Trump. The American President was welcomed by more than one lakh people in Ahmedabad.

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US President Donald Trump along with his wife Melania Trump, daughter Ivanka Trump and son-in-law Jared Kushner lands in New Delhi this evening. #POTUS on a 2-day visit to India addresses a mega event in Gujarat's capital Ahmedabad at Motera Stadium.

US President Donald Trump lands in New Delhi

Greeted by prime minister Narendra Modi at the Ahmedabad airport, Trump, his wife Melania, daughter Ivanka, and son-in-law Jared Kushner made their way to the Sardar Patel Stadium, witnessing a colourful roadshow along the way.

Namaste Trump: Cricket, Bollywood features in Trump's speech at Motera Stadium

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PM Modi at Namaste Trump event: Indo-US relationship no longer just another partnership

Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised US President Donald Trump in his speech as said, "I still remember when I went to Washington to meet President Trump for the first time, he said that India has a true friend in the White House. Trump has always shown his immense love for India.

Trump-Modi bromance on full display at Motera stadium, Modi recalls 1st meet with Trump

US President Donald Trump in his speech at the "Namaste Trump" event at Motera stadium in Ahmedabad said "Over the course of my visit Prime Minister Modi and I will also discuss our efforts to expand the economic ties between our two countries. We will be making major among the biggest ever made trade deals."

Donald Trump: Will sign $ 3 billion trade deal tomorrow at Namaste Trump event

US President Donald Trump gave a special mention out to the Indian cricket legends Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli while speaking at the Motera stadium, as part of Namaste Trump event. He said, "This is the country where your people cheer on the biggest cricketers, from Sachin Tendulkar to Virat Kohli, the greatest in the world."

Trump gives special shout out to Sachin Tendulkar & Virat Kohli at Namaste Trump event

US President Donald Trump speaking at the "Namaste Trump" event in Ahmedabad said "The First Lady and I have travelled 8000kms to say that America loves India and we respect India. It is a profound honour to be in Motera in this beautiful stadium. Thank you for your spectacular welcome. Melania and my family will remember this forever."

Trump addresses crowd at Motera Stadium: Will remember India's remarkable hospitality

US President Donald Trump will be reaching India today and right from the time US announced Trump's visit to India, the aspect of trade has dominated this course in both countries. Trade will remain high on the agenda during discussions. watch report:

WION Wallet: Will India-US hammer out limited trade package?

PM Modi, US President Donald Trump and the First Lady Melania Trump arrive at Motera Stadium, in Ahmedabad. Namaste Trump event to be held here shortly. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, CM Vijay Rupnai and Governor Acharya Devvrat also present.

Donald Trump's convoy reaches Motera Stadium in Ahmedabad for Namaste Trump event

US President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrapped up Sabarmati Ashram visit after Trump and First Lady Melania Trump arrived in Ahmedabad Airport. Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave a tour of the Ashram to the Trumps. US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump spun the Charkha at Sabarmati Ashram.

Trump's spun the Charkha at Sabarmati Ashram

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Will trade negotiations happen in Trump's India visit?

Before deporting from Washington DC to India, United States President Donald Trump shared his excitement to be with the people of India. He said “I look forward to being with the people of India, we will be with millions and millions of people. I get along very well with the Prime Minister, he is a friend of mine. Prime Minister told me this will be the biggest event they have ever had.

Donald Trump: Looking forward to being in India

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Ahmedabad International airport ahead of US President's arrival in the city. Trump after holding a roadshow will proceed to Motera stadium where "Namaste Trump" event will take place.

PM Modi reaches Ahmedabad to welcome Donald Trump

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Trump India visit: Air Force One lands in Ahmedabad

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US President Donald Trump arrives in India