Green Park readying for a green signal

When contacted Syed Shuaib Ahmad,member Tour,Programme and Fixture Committee of the BCCI and joint secretary UPCA,expressed confidence that construction work will be complete on time. “Around 75 per cent of the work is already complete and we are confident that things will be completed at the right time,” he said.

Director UPCA Jyoti Bajpai said,“We are ready for holding the match. It all depends on the completion of the construction work. A couple of months before the match,the BCCI officials will be inspecting the venue.”

A UPCA source claimed that new UP CM Akhilesh Yadav has assured the UPCA about the early completion of the construction work there after a UPCA official made a request in this regard.

Regional Sports Officer,Kanpur,Bula Ganguly said,“The work is in progress on a large scale. The finishing part is likely to start after two months. Presently,the brick work of the ground floor and the first floor of the Director’s Pavilion (spectators gallery) has been completed while the roofs are being laid on the other floors. Work is also in progress in the boxes meant for the VIP’s,the dressing rooms and the offices etc. The seating area for the general public is also undergoing construction. By November,even the work of giving finishing touches to all things will be completed.”

When asked if she has been contacted by the UPCA officials pertaining to its intention of organising a match there,Bula said,“I have come to know about it just now through the media. I will be retiring on April 30 this year otherwise I would have ensured the completion of the stadium much in advance. So far around Rs 16 crore have been spent on the construction work. The government has all the resources to get things completed on time and I am hopeful of the same.”