Chandigarh News - Kapil may get his home ground for ICL this year

The Indian Cricket League (ICL) has moved a step closer to signing up the Sector 16 Cricket Stadium as one of the venues for its next edition. Having been turned down last year, ICL chairman Kapil Dev met UT Advisor Pradeep Mehra with a fresh proposal on Tuesday. The UT Administration may give its nod this time.

 

Kapil Dev has been very keen to host ICL matches at the stadium where he learnt his first cricketing lessons and went on to lead the Indian cricket team.

 

The ICL will send a formal proposal in this regard to the Administration in a couple of days. The proposal will have a blueprint of sprucing up and enhancing the stadium's infrastructure attached to it. Officials said the Administration would then decide on the terms and conditions of the deal, and also the date when the stadium could be given to the ICL.

 

The ICL matches were held at the Tau Devi Lal Stadium last year after the UT Administration had said no to the Sector 16 stadium.

 

"We were never against the ICL. There was a big communication gap last year," said I S Sandhu, Director Sports, Chandigarh Administration. "Kapil Dev had presented a proposal according to which the ICL wanted to establish an academy and have the stadium for a long period. Moreover, they wanted it urgently, while we had an international match coming up (India-Australia ODI). We could not accept the proposal then," he added.

 

A formula may be worked out in favour of the ICL this time. "The UT Administration is open to every cricket body that wants to conduct matches at the stadium, be it the Haryana Cricket Association, the ICL or the Punjab Cricket Association. But, they should adhere to our terms and conditions. We will examine the ICL's proposal. If it is found satisfactory, ICL matches will take place at the stadium," said Sandhu.

 

Kapil also looked pleased after the meeting with the Advisor. "I am very happy at their response. We will draw up the proposal in the next couple of days and if everything goes well, you will see the ICL conduct its next edition at the stadium this year," he said.

 

"This stadium and the city have always been close to my heart. I lived and learnt cricket here. It has been my dream to have the ICL matches played here. I am sure the standard of cricket will improve in the city and the region. It will be good for the stadium as many international stars will come and play here," Kapil added.

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