Kerala likely to have second international cricket stadium

Kozhikode, Nov 2 (UNI) Efforts are on to convert the Corporation Stadium here into a multi-purpose international cricket stadium, Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) and former BCCI Secretary S K Nair said today.

Talking to newspersons after a preliminary round of discussion with the corporation officials he told reporters that the efforts were moving in the right direction.

He said the KCA had suggested to introduction of facilities conducive for hosting international events and make the changes required at the present venue.

Stating that the city had the potential to hold international events, he said facilities like star hotels and airport existed near the stidium.

He said in addition to erecting floodlights at the stadium, additional facilities required were a cricket pitch, dressing rooms and commentators box.

Allaying reservations expressed by Kozhikode District Football Association that the move would adversely affect their activities at the stadium, he cited the example of Melbourne cricket ground in Australia where international cricket as well as rugby events were held.

He assured that it would not mar the conduct of other sports at the venue.

The other international stadium in the state at Kochi also hosted football events, he pointed out.

The KCA would hold another round of meeting with the Corporation officials to work out the details of the project here on November 6, Mr Nair said.

Mr Nair said plans were afoot to set up rural sports training centres in all the 14 district in the state.

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