New Delhi/Noida: The much touted newly launched cricket league promoted by Zee TV supremo Subhash Chandra – Indian Cricket League has shown interest in developing the stadium located at sector 21 in Noida.
The ICL has not only offered help in upgrading the stadium to international level but also offered a cut in profits to the Noida authority.
A two member ICL team was scouting for cricket grounds in Delhi, Chandigarh and Noida; noida topped the list because of its proximity to Delhi. A proposal in this regard has been given to Noida CEO Balvinder kumar by the ICL.
To counter the move by the ICL, the BCCI has also given proposal to build a stadium at greater noida expressway to the authorities.
According to Noida CEO, a formal proposal is being awaited, and decision will be taken only after that. The noida authorities have started upgrading the stadium through a private-public initiative, with ownership of the stadium remaining with the authority.
The Noida stadium complex is not new at hosting international tournaments recently it has hosted the ITF Women Tennis Tournament.
According to the CEO, once the up gradation work is over, noida authorities have the option of leasing the stadium to any of the parties involved i.e. ICL and BCCI as both have shown interest in funding the project. The final decision on this will be taken by the noida board, the other option with noida authorities is to develop another stadium for BCCI at the greater noida expressway and give the existing stadium at sector 21 to ICL.
ICL is keen on getting hold of the existing stadium because of two reasons, one being its proximity to the capital and also all other stadium in proximity to the capital city are affiliated with BCCI, the second reason is that the existing stadium is ready and needs only up-gradation work.
Well, what ever be the outcome at the outset it seems the noida authorities will be laughing all the way to the bank.