Tags:
Journalism of Courage
Despite the Central Government8217;s stand, the Delhi and District Cricket Association DDCA is not keen on hosting the April 17 India-Pakistan ODI if the security measures reduce the capacity of the half-constructed Ferozeshah Kotla Stadium.
That means that the cloud of uncertainty still prevails even after a day when the verdict on hosting the final game of the series changed twice.
It was due to this VVIP presence in the stands that the security agencies had strategically asked the DDCA to reduce the capacity of the stadium. But the DDCA vice-president Chetan Chauhan insists that capacity wouldn8217;t be compromised for security.
8216;8216;I once again say that we will not want to hold a match for just 12,000 or 15,000 people. We want Delhiites to come and watch this match. I hope they now agree and accept our original capacity and seating plan,8217;8217; he said.
However, he was quick to mention that although the centre8217;s words have given a fresh lease of life to Kotla, the necessary clearances from the Municipal Corporation have to come quickly.
MCD Commissioner, Rakesh Mehta, had earlier stated that DDCA was yet to apply for a partial Occupancy certificate and blamed the DDCA for the delay.
But NK Batra, building project in-charge and DDCA Jt Secretary, rejects these claims outright.
8216;8216;We had applied for a OC 10 days back and they rejected it, saying there was no clause like this. Only yesterday they demanded they needed a structural stability certificate and I have got it today,8221; he told The Indian Express. As for the next step, DDCA will convene another executive meeting tomorrow to take a stock of the situation.
