Port Blair, Aug 12: Mr. Balaji, District City President, BJP in his letter addressed to the Lt. Governor, Andaman and Nicobar Islands has requested him to establish an International level cricket stadium in the Islands.
He said in his letter that once upon a time in Port Blair the present Netaji Stadium Ground was an arena for cricket and there existed a green colored ‘Gymkhana Club’ identical to Lords Cricket Ground at England. Indians working for English people also participated in the game which was basically evolved and developed by British. He further added that later also many government departments under the A & N Administration had their own Cricket teams who would played in League – cum – Knockout tournaments which attracted hundreds of spectators. Even in series and finals HODs watched the complete match and enthused their respective teams.
He also wrote that with the days the Gymkhana Ground became the present Netaji Stadium and with incorporation of rules and regulations for the use of the venue the “CRICKET” died an unnatural death in Port Blair. But he added that it is still a much favored sports activity in villages where many talents in the field exists. A cricket Association was also formed with visits of some the then officials of BCCI but the same could not be affiliated with the BCCI he added.
Mr. Balaji proposed a International Level Cricket Stadium to be constructed in these Islands where a few Ranji Trophy matches could be organized to begin with simultaneously the Andaman & Nicobar Cricket Association need be formed and affiliated and registered with BCCI in tune with other state Associations he added.
He also informed him that if one day, international match is conducted in the Islands then the ‘Cricket Tourism’ will follow the Islands attracting domestic/ International fans, Players, media etc. creating another source of employment for the local people involving in event management etc. and the Islands will get a place in International Cricket Map.
Indian government should be focused in constructing a cricket stadium in A & N island. This will give this island the name in cricket and more tourism will be attracted.
same old stories construction is not a big deal. (like buying buses and no driver conductor cleaner to manage and maintain the bus.)
but maintenance and managing is the deal, after construction when will vacancy notice come when and who will be recruited, by the time the constructed stadium will be as local stadium with local type of facilities as international level staff wont be available. (intentional level equipment and materials will reach the Islands what about the managing staff STAFF)