To promote test cricket or football in Kochi is the question. The GCDA is still caught in a dilemma over it. It has sought public opinion and asked people to vote for their preference online in this regard.
The Jawaharlal Nehru International stadium of the GCDA was given on lease for Kerala Cricket Association (KCC) for the past five years. Recently, the KCC had requested the GCDA to lease the stadium to them for another 30 years to promote test cricket in Kochi. This might be a hindrance for organising football matches at the venue.
“The KCC said that they would require the stadium exclusively for another 30 years to hold test matches. This might prevent football matches from being organised in the stadium. Before bringing this topic to the executive committee, we are planning to bring the public also on the discussion board,” said GCDA Chairman N Venugopal.
The GCDA will start an online polling from Wednesday through its Facebook and Twitter accounts. “The public can choose between the ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ option for the question ‘Would you prefer to give Kaloor Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium on lease for 30 years to KCA (Kerala Cricket Association) for conducting test cricket matches?’. Voting will take place on GCDA website ‘www.gcdaonline.com’ and through its Facebook or Twitter ID ‘gcda kerala’,” said N Venugopal. The poll will continue till October 30.