MA Chidambaram stadium could open sealed stands for the India-Australia match

The Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) is confident that the ‘I, J and K’ stands of the MA Chidambaram Stadium will be reopened for the India vs Australia ODI on September 17. A meeting with the State Government has resulted in a positive response but it will be interesting to see if the initiative goes ahead. It is believed that at least 12000 additional seats will be available for the spectators.

Price hike due to GST

The TNCA joint-secretary R.I. Palani raised the issue of GST and said that the fans will have to bear the additional amount. He hinted that a Rs 500 ticket will cost Rs 800, Rs 1800 will hike up to Rs 3000, and Rs 5000 ones will be sold at Rs 8000.

“Even if the clearance is only for a one-off match like the India-Australia game, it is all right for the TNCA. As many as 12,000 additional seats will be available for the public,” the TNCA joint-secretary told The Hindu here on Friday. He added, “Such a move by the Government will be extremely popular with the cricket fans in the city and State. We are very hopeful this time of a positive outcome regarding the stands.”

Practice game in Chennai

On Friday, the TNCA held its executive meeting, chaired by senior vice-president P.S. Raman. Former ICC and BCCI chief N. Srinivasan was invited to the meeting as the executive panel wanted to thank and greet him for India Cements sponsoring the TNPL. Palani also said that the Australian cricket team would be in Chennai from September 8 and will take part in a practice match ahead of the first ODI on September 17.

It has also been reported that the BCCI has offered the TNCA just one Lakh rupees to conduct the practice game. The state association feels that the amount is too less. Talking about the payment to the State cricketers for participating in last season’s Ranji Trophy, Palani said, “The TNCA has fulfilled all its commitments such as giving the allowances to the players. It is for the BCCI to pay the cricketers’ match fees. We have asked them to release the money.”