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New Lucknow stadium may host India-New Zealand tie on October 29
India will host New Zealand in three One-Day Internationals with the final one scheduled to take place on October 29. The match could be played at the new Ekana International Cricket Stadium in Lucknow.
The newly-inaugurated Ekana International Cricket Stadium is likely to host India vs New Zealand one-dayer on October 29. Representatives of the International Cricket Council (ICC) and Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had visited the stadium recently.
Sources said the BCCI had allocated the third ODI of the home series to the UP Cricket Association (UPCA) but has not named the venue so far. The BCCI is reportedly waiting for the final go-ahead from the ICC and would soon allocate the match officially to the venue, where the Duleep Trophy matches are underway.
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Two other ODIs will be played on October 22 (Mumbai) and October 25 (Pune).
ICC Elite Panel match referee Javagal Srinath and BCCI general manager (cricket operations), MV Sridhar had visited the stadium on Wednesday and looked visibly satisfied with the facilities. Indian Premier League (IPL) chairman and UPCA director Rajiv Shukla too looked impressed with the facilities.
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A BCCI source told Hindustan Times on Friday that there was enough time for the authorities to make the stadium ready for the ODI. “There are around 50 days to complete the work, the stadium is ready to host international match,” he said.
“We were asked to conduct the Duleep Trophy matches on a short notice and we accepted the offer. It has helped us prepare the venue for international matches,” Ekana Sports City’s director Udai Singh said on Friday. “If given the opportunity, we will not hesitate to conduct the India-New Zealand tie,” he added.
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Chief curator and former head of BCCI’s pitch and ground committee, Daljeet Singh, said there would be no problem in conducting the ODI here. “We have the best playing facilities, including the biggest sight screen. To host an international tie, a few minor things need to be updated… it should not be an issue,” he added.
Last season, the stadium hosted its maiden Ranji Trophy match. The five-day Duleep Trophy final starting September 25 is also scheduled here.
