Javagal Srinath inspecting the Barsapara stadium in Guwahati on Monday

International Cricket Council (ICC) representative Javagal Srinath on Monday expressed satisfaction over the preparations at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati for the T20 International match between India and Australia on October 10.

The former India fast bowler visited Barsapara cricket stadium as an ICC representative on Monday and took stock of the preparations. Srinath expressed satisfaction with the facilities at the newly-built stadium in the city.

“I’m here for the ICC accreditation. To host any international match or bilateral series, the venue needs ICC approval. All the aspects including the ground, gallery, pavilion and others have been inspected. I would say Guwahati is lucky to have an infrastructure like this,” Srinath told reporters at the stadium.

The 48-year old former Karnataka speed-star, who played his last ODI in 2003 against Australia, will now submit the report to the ICC for the final call.

The ICC has nominated Srinath who is India’s ICC Elite Panel Match Referee, to inspect the new cricket venues Guwahati and Thiruvananthapuram.

On Monday, ICC anti-corruption manager Niraj Singh Virk and general manager of cricket operations MV Sridhar, BCCI, MV Sridhar also accompanied Srinath.

The Rs 260-crore stadium has already hosted at least 17 Ranji Trophy matches since 2013-14. The stadium with modern technologies is being regarded as one of the best in the country.

Earlier, BCCI acting secretary Amitabh Choudhury and MV Sridhar had also visited the state and found the facilities to host an international match.

On Saturday, Assam chief minister Sonowal along with minister of state for youth welfare and sports Naba Kumar Doley took stock of the ground condition, pitch, pavilion, gallery, dressing room, commentary box, media stand and other ancillaries and expressed satisfaction over the quality of works put in place for the stadium to host the international match for the first time.

Sonowal also enquired about the seating capacity and the facilities, for the spectators to enjoy the match. Assam Cricket Association (ACA) which is in the helm of affairs as the main organiser informed Sonowal that 37,800 tickets will be up for sale as they will be sold on-line. The stadium has a capacity of 60,000 spectators.

Curator Mukut Kalita said that the pitch has already shown good results during the last several years where Ranji matches have taken place. “This is definitely going to be one of the best in the country and we are leaving no stone unturned,” Kalita said.

Subscribe to our Newsletter


Avatar photo
About TNM NewsDesk

-

The News Mill is a Guwahati-based digital media with focus on content from across Northeast India and beyond. We can be reached through [email protected]