Sahara positive ground will be ready for IPL 2011

Pune was selected as the venue for hosting Sahara’s new IPL only after viewing a presentation prepared for them by the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA). Hence,they were keen on a physical inspection of the ground. After this inspection,Sarkar was positive about his conclusion and felt that more visits for inspection were necessary.

“We were impressed by the excellent planning. The Maharashtra Cricket Association has been doing a good job. The completion of the ground is on schedule. We will visit twice every month to monitor the progress,” Sarkar said. “We will also be frequenting the city to pick the name of the franchise through contests of various kinds,” he added.

The Pune International Cricket Centre is in the process of completing the first phase of its construction,a reduced capacity of 46,000 seats.

The MCA has invested a sum total of Rs 260 crore for the entire project — Rs 195 crore plus taxes for the contract,Rs 43 crore for the land and Rs 22 crore for the interest. This stadium was originally slated to be completed within 16 months of its commencement. As per this schedule,April 2011 was set as the date for completion. But with improvements in design,MCA president Ajay Shirke revised the date of completion.

“The stadium is scheduled to be completed on February 28,2011 and will be ready for a match in March 2011,” he said.

Shirke was delighted with the partnership of the MCA with Sahara and felt that Pune cricket is in good hands.

“Pune could not get any better patron than Sahara. Sahara has been the longest committed sponsor to sports in India,” he said.