Ranchi ready to host its first international cricket match

Ranchi, Jan 18 (IANS) Jharkhand’s capital is set to host its first international cricket match when India take on England in a One-Day International (ODI) in the newly built 39,000-capacity JSCA International Stadium here Saturday.

The stadium, located in the outskirts of the city in Dhurwa, is around 10 minutes away from the Birsa Munda Airport.

“Built on a total area of 26.5 acres, the complex houses the stadium itself, another International Cricket Council (ICC) regulation ground, a tennis academy, indoor cricket facility, swimming pool, and housing for staff members and executives,” Jharkhand State Cricket Association (JSCA) president Amitabh Choudhary told IANS.

Interestingly, the stadium does not have any fencing like the newly built ground in Rajkot, which hosted the first ODI.

“The first excavations of the stadium took place in June 2009. The ground does not have fences which gives every spectator an unrestricted view. There are two major pavilions with five viewing levels. There are two grass hill tops too located on the east and western stand,” he added.

Choudhary also said that had it not been for the cameras, the stadium could have incorporated 1,000 more people.

Close to 16,000 tickets went up for sale for the public while the rest were reserved for others like JSCA members and Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) sponsors.

IANS 2013-01-18 13:48:07