Kanpur could host West Indies Test: Rajeev Shukla

UPCA secretary Shukla has indicated that Green Park could soon host an international match.

Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA) secretary Rajeev Shukla has indicated that the Green Park Stadium in Kanpur could soon host an international match,which may even be one of the two Tests against the West Indies in November. Shukla,along with Sports Minister (UP) Narad Rai,inspected the stadium on Tuesday evening.

Talking to The Indian Express,Shukla said,I am fully satisfied with the construction work,which has been carried out at the stadium. It is all set to host an international match now. We will try to host either a Test or an ODI against West Indies at the Green Park stadium.

When asked if the UPCA was looking at hosting Sachin Tendulkars 200th Test match,Shukla said,We are not insisting on that match. However,I am hopeful that we could either get a Test or an ODI against West Indies in November. The tour and fixtures committee will decide on whether it could be a Test or an ODI.

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A Test match against Australia which was scheduled to be played in March this year had to be shifted to Hyderabad because renovation of the stadium was not complete.

MOU to be signed

On the progress with regard to a contract being signed between the state government and the UPCA for the Green Park Stadium,Shukla said,We are working on the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The state government is cooperating.

When contacted Director Sports (UP) SK Singh said,The UPCA believes Green Park is ready to host international matches. The fixtures of the home series West Indies have not been declared yet. It could be a Test match against West Indies also. As far as the talks with the UPCA on Green Park are concerned,they are in the final stages, Singh said.

It is going to be a maintenance contract of Green Park cricket area for a period of time wherein the UPCA is being asked to pay Rs 1 crore a year and 25 per cent of the profit it earns from matches it organises at Green Park. The UPCA will be looking after the maintenance of the cricket area. The ownership of the entire stadium including that cricket area will continue to be with the state government, Singh added.