India-Windies ODI to be held in Thiruvananthapuram: Report

The One-day International fixture between India and Windies in November 2018 is said to be held in Thiruvananthapuram. Indian Express carries the report.

In the latest development, the newspaper cited Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) official. He said the match will be played in Thiruvananthapuram. It was the original venue for the 50-over game as per the Board.

The meeting between Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) KCA and ISL top-brass has somewhat brought respite to the fans of football and cricket as well.

According to the top-brass official, the controversy is not taking centre stage because of cricket or football. But as per the official’s statement, it is all because of the bond.

Interestingly, GCDA owns the stadium and has an agreement with the KCA subsequently.

In 2014, the lease renewed between KCA and GCDA for 30 years.

In the past, Kochi hosted all the international fixtures before the construction of the SportsHub in Trivandrum.

Earlier, Member of Parliament from Thiruvananthapuram and former Union Minister Shashi Tharoor has lashed out at the move of KCA. The state unit requested the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to shift the game to Kochi.

Pertinently, according to the plan, the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium’s turf-laid was bound to be dug up for the fixture. The turf-laid stadium is refurbished for the FIFA Under-17 World Cup after the recognition in 2017.

The stadium also served as a home venue for the Kerala Blasters in the Indian Super League (ISL).

The football stadium will remain intact after politician like Tharoor lambasted the association. So much so, legendary batsman, Sachin Tendulkar, who is the co-owner of Blasters had also questioned the move.

Moreover, the latest report suggested the match is shifted back to the Thiruvananthapuram while drawing the ire.

According to the official for KCA, the official statement is expected to take place soon.

Earlier, Kochi hosted the cricket match in 2014. The football ground can host 60,000 spectators which simultaneously met the standards of FIFA.

The Congress MP Tharoor had also termed it ‘bizarre’ move while calling upon the chief of Committee of Administrators Vinod Rai.

Tharoor has backed to host the game in his jurisdiction. He has also thanked for the support in avoiding to ruin the top-class football stadium.

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