PCA slappedRs 2 bn notice by Punjab govt in stadium land case

Chandigarh, Oct 31 (UNI) The Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) headed by is Bindra was today slapped a Rs 2 billion compensation notice by Punjab Government which also sought vacation of the multi-million PCA stadium, which is holding Champions Trophy semi-final tomorrow, on the ground of ''illegal possession of land''.

Punjab Sports Director Pargat Singh said state government's Sports Council has filed a case with the sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) at Mohali to get the stadium vacated from PCA occupation and recover compensation.

The Sports Council notice to the PCA had demanded vacation of the world-class stadium, claiming it was under ''illegal possession'' of the association.

The petition sought payment of Rs 1.5 billion that the PCA has earned from staging cricket matches and other events at the stadium since 1994. Another Rs 500 million has been sought as damages.

The SDM today asked the PCA to reply by November 15.

As the then Secretary Sports Punjab Governement, Inderjit Singh Bindra had reportedly allotted the prime land that was meant for a Punjab Sports Council Complex to the PCA that he is now heading under a 99-year lease deed signed in 1992.

Well-placed sources in the Punjab Government said the clearance for pursuing the matter against the PCA was given by Chief Minister Amarinder Singh himself.

''The proceedings against PCA were initiated by the Punjab Government itself,'' a senior official said.

The stadium at Mohali, 10 km from here, was built by the PCA in 1992. The stadium and its facilities are regarded as among the best in the cricketing world.

The stadium is presently playing host to the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy. Five matches were allotted to this stadium.

The first semi-final of the tournament is to be held here tomorrow.

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