BCCI to give Rs 25 crore for int'l stadiums

The Board has adopted a scheme under which any state association building an international stadium will get financial support.

Being a co-host for the 2011 World Cup cricket, the BCCI has adopted a scheme under which any state association building an international stadium will get financial support of Rs 25 crore from the cash-rich Board.

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The Cricket Board has also announced a pension scheme for former Ranji players under which those who played 25 matches will get Rs 35,000 every month.

The schemes were announced by BCCI President Sharad Pawar, who was in Goa on Monday to inaugurate a newly-laid indoor pitch and a conference hall at Margao Cricket Club premises.

The international stadium in Goa under the scheme will come up at Tivim.

Acquisition of land and other proceedings for the 50,000-crowd capacity staduim will begin by December and Pawar will lay the foundation stone on February 11, next year.

Pawar also said under the pension scheme for former Ranji players the survivor of the player would get the amount every month after his death.

Pawar, who is also the Union Agriculture minister, said that the yearly grant for state associations has been increased to Rs 8 crore.

Pawar, who praised Goan youngester Saurab Bandekar for his superb performance for Indian U-19 team, said BCCI would provide all support to develop cricket in Goa.