Kotla could lose World Cup

Delhi is in danger of losing the right to host any matches in the 2011 cricket World Cup, scheduled for February-March next year because DDCA has not followed the rehabilitation plan set in place for the Ferozeshah Kotla pitch by the ICC. Anand Vasu reports. Utterly callous

Delhi is in danger of losing the right to host any matches in the 2011 cricket World Cup, scheduled for February-March next year.

HT Image

Why? Because the Delhi & Districts Cricket Association (DDCA) has not followed the rehabilitation plan set in place for the Ferozeshah Kotla pitch by the International Cricket Council (ICC).

In his latest inspection, Andy Atkinson, the ICC pitch consultant responsible for certifying World Cup venues, has given the Kotla a 'red' rating — the worst of four possible colour categories. A copy of the report, circulated among top ICC
officials, is with HT.

The ICC thereafter suggested several measures to improve the pitch, none of which have been taken seriously.

For one, the DDCA pushed back the start of the renovation work from April 19, as advised by the ICC, by almost a month to May 16. There were many other transgressions.

In his report Atkinson leaves no doubt as to the consequences of the DDCA's actions.

"The delay in the start of work was completely avoidable and the loss of a complete month could have significant implications for the completion of the scheduled work to the accepted standards and the reinstatement of the venue for International cricket and for use during the World Cup 2011," he wrote.