IPL ties in city may a reality this season!
recent visit of BCCI technical experts has given rise to the hope that Lucknow’s Ekana International Cricket Stadium may host a few matches of the 10th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) this summer.
The technical experts reportedly praised the facilities and issued instructions for speedy completion of the remaining construction work at the venue. They promised to visit the stadium by middle of the next month to give their final ‘go ahead’. The cash-rich league starts on April 5.
“It’s one of the best stadiums in the country. We plan to approach the authorities concerned for the conduct of our home matches at this venue,” said an official of a team on condition of anonymity.
“We are looking for early completion of spectators’ gallery, lounges, players’ pavilion,” he said. “Hosting IPL matches at such venues will be quite profitable as we are sure that the stadium will be packed to capacity,” he said.
“Both Gujarat Lions matches at the Green Park Stadium in Kanpur last season drew a houseful. One can expect a much bigger crowd in Lucknow, which will host an IPL match for the first time, if all goes well,” he said.
In fact, construction work at the stadium has almost been completed and the remaining work is being wrapped up on a war footing. “A large number of people are working round the clock,” Ekana Sports City managing director Udai Sinha told HT.
“Construction and finishing work are in their last phase and we are hopeful of getting it fully ready soon,” said Sinha, adding, “Our doors are open for the IPL teams, but right now our focus is on getting things ready as soon as possible.”
The Ekana Sports City has plans to develop a world class residential cricket academy, football stadium, and other facilities in near future.
The cricket stadium hosted its first Ranji Trophy match between Hyderadabad and Andhra Pradesh last December. Andhra skipper Hanuma Vihari had praised the facilities.
“It’s an amazing ground and the strip is quite sporting. For us, it’s a great experience to play here. I am hopeful that in summer, when the IPL starts, the wicket will be quite batsmenfriendly,” Vihari was quoted as saying.