IND vs ENG: Jay Shah to unveil Rajkot stadium's new name ahead of 3rd Test

The first two games have proven exactly why cricket enthusiasts had been waiting with bated breath for the ongoing five-match Test series between India and England. The two teams have played some excellent cricket and won one game each. While England emerged victorious by 28 runs in the first Test in Hyderabad, the hosts bounced back with a thumping 106-run win in Visakhapatnam.

The action will now shift to the Saurashtra Cricket Association (SCA) Stadium in Rajkot for the third Test, which begins on Thursday, February 15. However, before the action gets underway, the stadium is set to receive a new name. The stadium will be named after former first-class cricketer Niranjan Shah. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Jay Shah will unveil the new name on February 14 ahead of the third Test.

“Jay bhai Shah will unveil the new name and we have also sent out invites to senior BCCI officials for the ceremony. In a couple of days, we will have confirmations from all the dignitaries and office bearers we have invited,” says SCA secretary Himanshu Shah, as per News18.

Invites will be sent and we hope the players can attend it too: SCA Secretary Shah

Furthermore, Himanshu hoped that the players from both teams would be able to attend the event, as they are scheduled to arrive at the stadium on February 14. Most likely this schedule would mean both India and England will have the chance for optional training sessions.

“Can’t confirm this as of now but the invites will be sent and we hope the players can attend it too,” Shah added.

Notably, Shah played 12 first-class games for Saurashtra between 1965-66 and 1975-76 seasons. He also served as the SCA secretary for close to four decades. Shah also served as BCCI secretary at one point in time. He is lauded for his contributions to Saurashtra cricket and he also played a crucial role in helping Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium gain Test venue status. The stadium has hosted two Test matches so far. Incidentally, the first Test played at this venue was also between India and England in 2016. The match ended in a draw.