After almost a year of deliberations on Ferozeshah Kotla's ability to host international matches during the World Cup, Delhi District Cricket Association officials claimed that the International Cricket Council had given its green light to the track on Monday.
According to DDCA General Secretary SP Bansal, the Board for Control of Cricket in India (BCCI) received the news from a visiting panel of ICC officials late in the evening.
"I have just been informed of the news by board officials. It is great news for all of us," he told HT.
Chief Administrative Officer in BCCI Ratnakar Shetty however said he was unaware of the development.
The pitch that has been under ICC's scrutiny since the infamous India-Sri Lanka match last December is scheduled to host two World Cup matches including India's tie against Holland.
While Atkinson, who has been in the Capital to take stock of the readiness of the stadium since last week, had hinted at a positive feedback in his report to ICC, the visiting entourage including Operation Managers Clive Hitchcock and Peter Roach gave in-depth recommendations that include laying fresh grass to cover larger parts of the pitch to avoid breakage and an increase in the height of the sightscreen.
It also suggested that domestic matches be moved out of the venue. DDCA has already sent a request for the remaining Delhi matches to be played at the Roshanara Grounds.
{{/usCountry}}It also suggested that domestic matches be moved out of the venue. DDCA has already sent a request for the remaining Delhi matches to be played at the Roshanara Grounds.
{{/usCountry}}They take on Assam, Railways and Mumbai next month. Though ICC officials refused to confirm the go ahead to the wicket, ICC Media and Communication Manager, James Fitzgerald said that the ICC was happy with the co-operation from DDCA officials.
"We are very pleased with the quality of the work and the level of commitment and cooperation from the DDCA and its grounds staff," he told HT through email.