The International Cricket Council’s (ICC) decision to shift the India-England World Cup match out of Eden Gardens may have come as a surprise for the people of Kolkata, but the question is, ‘Did the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) miscalculate the timeframe required to renovation the Eden Gardens?’
The CAB’s decision to host the India-South Africa Test in February last year followed by seven IPL 3 matches seems to have backfired.
Despite the fact that the World Cup fixtures were announced on November 2, 2009, CAB went ahead with the decision to host the India-South Africa Test match in February. As a result, renovation work had to be put on hold for about 10-15 days.
The IPL caused even more delay by bringing the work to a complete standstill for nearly six weeks. In fact, work couldn’t be carried out even during non-match days. During the IPL, a temporary stand was erected for ‘hospitality’ purposes. The new structure, which is being built there, is far from complete.
In short, the renovation began only after April 19 after the last IPL match was played there. What’s more, the CAB even hosted a couple of Ranji Trophy matches in November last year. Work was on in full swing then.
However, CAB officials deny the fact that work got delayed due to the Test match and IPL 3 fixtures. “What should have we done? Not hosted any matches? That wasn’t possible,” said CAB assistant secretary Biswarup Dey. “In fact, I am still confident that the stadium would have been ready in time. I think it’s a harsh decision (by ICC). But I am yet to get the official letter. Whatever I have heard is from the media,” he added.
Meanwhile, former cricketers from the state expressed their disappointment on the decision. “It’s really disappointing considering the history of the Eden Gardens which has even hosted a World Cup final,” said former India opener Devang Gandhi.
Arun Lal, another former player, said, “These people have been working like crazy and I am really disappointed that Eden will not be hosting an India match.”
So, while the people of Kolkata may be blaming the ICC for taking such a harsh decision, they should now ask the CAB a question or two.
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