The Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) is turning its focus on cricket tourism -- promoting cricket culture in the state along with tapping tourism potential, National Cricket Academy chairman and KCA president T C Mathew has said.
“The cricket stadium built at Krishnagiri in Wayanad district, which is South India’s first high altitude stadium, is expected to cater to this objective. Hopefully, the stadium will be opened on November 14,” said Mathew, who was selected chairman of the NCA and a member of the IPL governing council recently, addressing a press meet here on Sunday.
The picturesque stadium with international quality pitch has a gallery in the form of a sloped lawn where people can sit and watch. “Besides, there are swimming pools, indoor stadium etc,” Mathew said.
There is no scope for holding international matches at Krishnagiri stadium but we will achieve the goal in future, said the KCA chief, adding that a stand alone cricket stadium was not viable and hence they planned a sports complex there. Mathew added that there were attempts to bring some IPL matches to Kochi. “The Kochi Tuskers Kerala, which was disbanded by the BCCI, has moved arbitration which is under consideration. At this juncture, we will try to bring matches of other franchisees to Kochi as it would be a chance for Kerala to showcase its culture. We have already discussed the matter with the Chief Minister.” The NCA has plans to open a zonal cricket academy and a specialists academy in the state and the opening of the Krishnagiri stadium would expedite the move, he said.
On allegations against the BCCI over the selection of N Srinivasan as president, Mathew said the cricket body was not a team of tainted persons. “Srinivasan’s son-in-law Meiyappan was named in the spot-fixing scam. Those who failed in elections are raising allegations against the BCCI office-bearers,” said Mathew.