ICC team satisfied with Motera as venue for Champion Trophy

Ahmedabad, Apr 22 (UNI) A four-member International Cricket Council (ICC) team today expressed satisfaction over the facilities and playing conditions to be offered to the players and spectators at the Motera stadium here, one of the venues for the Champions Trophy to be played in October.

ICC pitch consultant Andy Atkinson, who is one of the key members of the visiting ICC team, told mediapersons here that they were pleased and impressed with the facilities and at the Motera stadium.

However, the ICC team has suggested few changes in the dressing rooms, stadium and also advised a third pitch as in the Champions Trophy, a total five ODIs would be played at this venue. The other venues are Mumbai, Jaipur and Mohali.

The ICC team, which had yesterday visited Mumbai, left for Jaipur this evening and would later visit Mohali, the last ground on its itinary for inspection.

The other members of the ICC team included media manager Brian Murgatroyd, Warren Deutrom (Champions Trophy Event Manager) and Macky Dudhia of Global Cricket Corporation.

When asked, Mr Brian, expressing concern over too much cricket events burdening the players, said the cricket boards should realise that their players are assets of the nation and should not just eyeing for the revenues from the game.

He said, the ICC in its 6-years' long schedule has asked the cricket playing nations to play about 15 Test Matches and 31 ODIs every year. However, some teams are playing far more matches.

New Zealand and West Indies are the nations which are in favour of more matches, he pointed out.

Mr Brian further stated that the ICC has received match referee Roshan Mahanama's report on violence during the fifth ODI between host India and the visiting England team at the Nehru Stadium at Guwahati on April nine.

He said the ICC will review the report of Mr Mahanama and then decide on the actions that need to be taken on the issue to prevent the similar situation in future.

UNI MP KD OM RAI0140