Eden Gardens, Kolkata

The Eden Gardens has always played an important part in the history of cricket be it the finale of the 1987 World Cup or the semi finals of the 1996 World Cup.

This time too the renovated Eden Gardens was going to hold four World Cup matches and most important of the entire match between India and England on the 27th of February. However a certain twist in the tale has arisen due to the lack of professionalism on the part of the CAB.

The ICC which is responsible for the World Cup had earlier set a deadline for all the 13 Cup venues to be ready by the 31st of December. This deadline was not met by all the venues and thus the ICC extended its deadline to the 25th of January. It also made special focus on five stadiums which included Eden Gardens, Wankhede and three of SriLanka’s grounds.

While the renovations at the Wankhede were completed just a few days back and was inaugurated by Mr.  Sharad Pawar, the Eden failed its deadline. Thus the ICC chief Haroon Lorgat informed the Tournament director Prof. Ratnakar Shetty that the match scheduled on the 27th of February would have to be shifted from Kolkata to some other venue.

This tough decision was made after it was realized that the venue shall not be match ready for the India- England encounter.

Of the four matches to be held in Kolkata three matches are not the most sought after ones because the matches are between South Africa- Ireland, Zimbabwe-Kenya and Nederland-Ireland.

Thus the Kolkatans who would have been hoping to enjoy the big match at the 137 year old stadium, would have to satisfy themselves with the other three matches to be played there.

Meanwhile the BCCI is now busy looking for a replacement for the Eden Gardens to hold the 27th Feb faceoff. Prof. Shetty put in that “We will work with the new venue, the tour operators and the ticket distributors to manage the logistical challenges that will surely arise.”

The three stadiums in Sri Lanka which were under the scanner have been approved by the ICC Central Organising Committee (COC) with some minor renovation work. The Premadasa, as well as the stadiums at Hambantota and Pallekele shall have to complete the minor work within fourteen days.

Thus while on one side there is a scenario of thorough professionalism , on the other hand is the example of lackadaisical approach of the CAB, which is responsible for the renovation of the Eden, that has cost the fans a chance  to watch India play in the 2011 World Cup with their bear eyes and not on the television.

Tags: BCCI, CAB, Cricket, Eden Gardens, England, ICC, ICC Cricket World Cup 2011, India, Kolkata, World Cup