Jaipur's loss is Vadodaras gain. The Board of Control for Cricket in India has decided to shift the opening One-Day International (ODI) of the best-of-seven series between India and Australia to Vadodara on October 25. The Board has decided in favour of Vadodara because of a bitter feud in the Rajasthan Cricket Association. The match was earlier scheduled in Jaipur. Discussions were held between BCCI president Shashank Manohar and the president of Baroda Cricket Association (BCA) for hosting the match in the cultural city of Gujarat. Vadodara is overjoyed at getting the first international match of the year. "We are cheering the decision. This will be the first international match to be played this year. We came to know about it only this afternoon. We have already begun the process of taking various permissions including security,ground,etc, said Sanjay Patel,vice-president,BCA. The decision was taken after the Annual General Meeting of BCCI, he added. The IPCL Sports Complex Ground,where the match will be held,is part of the sprawling IPCL complex. Cricketers have traditionally enjoyed the venue,as it has often helped batsmen score heavily. The wicket also holds up throughout the length of a 50-over game. Vadodara has hosted many other international tournaments before this. Vadodara has been on the books of ICC match referees even before, said Patel adding,Even England preferred Vadodara for their practice matches. We have good experience in hosting matches of this standard. The outfield at the ground has been well maintained. The pitch is ready too.
