JAMMU: Jammu and Kashmir is all set to host international cricket matches when required by the BCCI following the upgradation of the Maulana Azad Stadium in Jammu as a world class ground that follows all International Cricket Council (ICC) norms, ANI reports.
Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council secretary Naseem Javaid Chowdhary said that the stadium would have all modern day facilities including a well-established pavilion, gymnasium, conference hall, open VIP area, media and player zones and galleries. It’s construction is expected to be completed by the end of March, making it eligible to host some Indian Premier League (IPL) 2019 matches, should the tournament be held in India again.
“Maulana Azad Stadium in Jammu, which is the main stadium, was primarily used for state and district level matches. It did not match the standards of international level cricket. This prompted us to upgrade the stadium and provide all the modern facilities as per ICC norms,” Chowdhary was quoted as saying to ANI.
“International matches will be played as this is ICC compliant stadium. We can conduct IPL, ODI and Test matches. The stadium will be prepared by March end. Earlier, we made football stadium in Kashmir and conducted I-League matches there. So we are hopeful that international cricket matches will also be played here. BCCI can also conduct international matches here,” he said.
The stadium will solve a lot of issues for local players who would earlier have Dharmasala in Himachal Pradesh as their home ground during domestic competitions such as the Ranji Trophy.
