Kerala’s Greenfield Stadium likely to host New Zealand T20I

Following the decision to shift the India vs New Zealand T20l from Cuttack to Thiruvananthapuram, the cricket fans of the state look extremely upbeat. The tie was slated to be held in Cuttack on November 7. The change in the fixture was necessitated after the Odisha Cricket Association (OCA) informed the BCCI about their reservations on hosting the match in Cuttack.

Thiruvananthapuram rides on a rich illustrious history when it comes to cricket as it hosted the first two international matches on Kerala soil at the University Stadium in 1984 and 1988. While the first ODI in Kerala was a washed out affair between Sunil Gavaskar’s India and Kim Hughes’ Australia, the second ODI saw a strong West Indies side, featuring the likes of Viv Richards and Richie Richardson, trouncing the home side led by current India coach Ravi Shastri by nine wickets.

Speaking how the T20I fixture will be a huge boost to the local cricketing scene, former Kerala captain K N Ananthapadmanabhan said, “Finally we have a stadium that matches international standards. I hope the India – New Zealand game will be the first of many to be played in the city. After the T20, I hope we get more ODIs and Test matches,” said Vishnu.

“If I get the tickets for the game, I will definitely attend,” he added.

Greenfield Stadium all set to host Kerala’s first T20I

Thus, it comes as no surprise that the cricketing fraternity along with all the fans is looking forward to the Twenty20 showdown at the Greenfield International Stadium in Kariavattom on November 7. The initial plan was to host an international cricket match after almost three decades when India plays Sri Lanka in a T20I on December 20. However, the big day in all probability will be preponed from December 20 after BCCI owing to availability issues in Cuttack.