‘Killer’ Kindness
Criminal action deserves punishment in accordance with the Indian Penal Code ~ nothing less suffices. Thus, while holding no brief for allegedly-tainted sports administrators Suresh Kalmadi and Abhay Singh Chautala
Bringing cheers for the sports lovers, the first international cricket stadium of Uttarakhand was thrown open for public in Dehradun on Friday. The Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium is located at Raipur, in lush green locality with Mussoorie hills forming the backdrop.
Though Uttarakhand was able to develop an international cricket stadium in 16 year of its inception, but the hill state has so far failed to get affiliation from the Board of Cricket Control in India.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Harish Rawat inaugurated the cricket stadium in Dehradun on Friday. The opening saw a friendly cricket match between Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand cricket teams. Later Bollywood playback singer Abhijeet Sawant enthralled the crowd with his live musical concert.
Constructed with a budget of Rs.237 Crore, the stadium offers sitting capacity for 25,000 spectators. Fitted with flood lights to conduct day-night matches, LCD screen and other modern amenities, the construction work of the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium began in 2013.
Uttarakhand CM Harish Rawat said, “We have constructed the cricket stadium with our limited resources. We will request the BCCI to conduct national and international matches here. I am hopeful the stadium will prove a boon for young cricketers.”
The star packed Uttar Pradesh cricket team-including Suresh Raina, Praveen Kumar and Pyush Chawla- was the main attraction of the opening ceremony.
Despite passing of 16 year, Uttarakhand has failed to obtain affiliation from the BCCI. IPL chairman Rajeev Shukla said, “There is rift between two cricket associations in Uttarakhand. Till these association solve their differences the BCCI can’t prove affiliation. If the new stadium meets the ICC norms we will conduct international matches in Dehradun.”
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