THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: It was in the January 1988 that Thiruvananthapuram last witnessed international cricket, when a West Indies boasting the likes of Viv Richards and Richie Richardson trounced a Ravi Shastri-led India by nine wickets in an ODI at the University Stadium.
After almost 30 years, international action might be returning to Kerala’s capital. It can be before the end of this year, if the words of BCCI acting secretary Amitabh Chowdhary and general manager (operations) MV Sridhar, who inspected the Greenfield International Stadium at Kariavattom near here, are to be believed.
The Rs 161-crore stadium was constructed on a public-private partnership model before the 35th National Games in 2015. It didn’t see much action other than SAFF football after that, but an 11-year MoU signed last year with the Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) might just turn around its fortunes.
“It was at the BCCI SGM on May 7 where Guwahati’s Barsapara Stadium was recognised as an international venue. It was then that BCCI vice-president TC Mathew, representing Kerala, informed us about this venue. We decided to visit at the earliest,” said Chowdhary.
The BCCI secretary, who visited the venue earlier this year for a Ranji Trophy match, said only a formal approval is required for it to host international matches.
“I’m sure it will fulfil guidelines of the International Cricket Council,” he said.
Chowdhary and Sridhar inspected the infrastructure with Mathew and KCA office-bearers. They were positive that a match in Australia’s tour of India beginning in October 2017 can be held here. Mathew, who stepped down as KCA president earlier this year, said recommendations made by the inspection team will be met in 30-45 days.
“We expect the BCCI to consider Greenfield Stadium when it draws up venues for the 2017 home season,” Mathew said.
adwaidh@newindianexpress.com
