Kerala waits for BCCI's call on prized ODI match next year

Thiruvananthapuram is likely to host an international match next year after their recent success in conducting the T20I match between India and New Zealand amidst threats of a washout due to rain. An international match has been pending for two years and in all possibility, Thiruvananthapuram might get a nod ahead of Kochi. The pending match could not be staged in Kochi due to various reasons, especially commitments towards other sports.

Thiruvananthapuram hosted an international match after 29 years and they look in a good position to host IPL games in the coming times. In the eight-over-a-side contest, India beat the Kiwi side by 6 runs to clinch the trophy. The Greenfield Stadium became the 50th international venue in India

“We are ready to host IPL but it all depends on the franchise because they have to take the decision. Now that it has been proved that the crowd is good, we have a good stadium, drainage system is brilliant, we are capable of conducting matches,” Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) secretary Jayesh George told Hindustan Times.

“First we have to ask the BCCI. Acting secretary Amitabh Chaudhary was here during the match. I had a word with him. I asked for his help on this. He said ‘we will discuss’.”

Shastri lauds the latest venue

The players from both the sides and the team management were highly impressed with the behavior of the crowd and the clinical work by the groundsmen. India head coach Ravi Shastri didn’t hold back and praised the venue and the people for putting up a good show. The new Greenfield International Stadium is a top-class venue for cricket,” he said. “The atmosphere there during the match was electrifying with almost every spectator wearing Team India’s blue jersey in a packed stadium. The fans were brilliant and made it a memorable match even though the overs had to be cut short due to rain. Hats off to the ground staff that made it possible to play despite the rain, and the crowd was sensational in size, colour and behaviour.”