VISAKHAPATNAM: “It is only the matter of time till the Vizag stadium will host a test match,” N Srinivasan, International Cricket Council Chairman (ICC) said at the Diamond Jubilee celebrations of Andhra Cricket Association here in Visakhapatnam Sunday.
Stating that BCCI officials had inspected the Vizag stadium and would send a report to ICC for granting it test status soon, Srinivasan, the chief guest at the event, lauded the ACA’s efforts in producing international standard cricket players and said that he wouldn’t be surprised if there was an increase in the number of players from Andhra Pradesh representing India internationally soon enough.
Also present at the occasion was interim BBCI president N Shivlal Yadav who was feted along with Srinivasan and BCCI secretary Sanjay Patel. Srinivasan, on behalf of ACA, handed over a cheque of `2.10 crore to former cricketers of ACA.
Former skipper of Indian cricket team Anil Kumble, who was also present, appreciated the ACA’s efforts and told players to never lose passion for the game. Reminiscing his association with the city, Kumble said that his first hat-trick came against the Andhra team in a Ranji match in Vizag.
Speaking on the occasion, HRD minister Ganta Srinivasa Rao promised to make Vizag the sports capital of Andhra and added that the CM was keen on hosting the 2017 National Games in Andhra Pradesh. “To reach world class standards, the government is planning to establish an integrated sports complex in Visakhapatnam on the lines of Gachibowli in Hyderabad,” he added.
Labour Minister K Atchannaidu also requested the BCCI officials as well as the ACA to establish an international cricket stadium in Srikakulam and mentioned that a 13-acre site had already been identified. Secretary of ACA Gokaraju Gangaraju lauded Srinivasan for his services for the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association and the Indian cricket team and said that the funds provided by the BCCI for the Andhra Cricket Association had been used optimally where `2,000 was being allocated for zonal players and `4,000 for state players.
He also said that they had tied up with foreign academies and a coach from New Zealand was even training the ACA women team. “Six players from the women’s team have been selected for the South Zone team too,” he added.