Newly built Ekana Stadium in Lucknow may host its first match against New Zealand

The newly built Ekana Stadium in Lucknow may host its first International match against New Zealand on October 29. BCCI is currently waiting for ICC accredit the stadium internationally. Recently, ICC official and match referees paid a visit to inspect the newly built stadium.

The Stadium is currently hosting the All India Buchi Babu Invitational Cricket Tournament or Duleep Trophy match between India Red and India Green. If sources are to be believed, the Board of Control for Cricket in India have already allocated the Third ODI between India and New Zealand to Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association who have not announced the venue yet.

Member of the ICC elite panel, Javagal Srinath and General Manager of BCCI had visited the stadium on Wednesday and looked visibly satisfied with the facilities. They were also accompanied by Indian Premier League (IPL) chairman and UPCA director Rajiv Shukla who seemed impressed with the facilities.

Number of matches lined up of Lucknow

“We were asked to conduct the Duleep Trophy matches on a short notice and we accepted the offer. It has helped us prepare the venue for international matches. If given the opportunity, we will not hesitate to conduct the India-New Zealand tie,” claimed the Director of Ekana Sports City, Udai Singh, according to Hindustan Times.

Daljeet Singh, who was the former head of BCCI’s pitch and ground committee, is presently appointed as the Chief Curator of the newly built stadium. “We have the best playing facilities, including the biggest sight screen. To host an international tie, a few minor things need to be updated… it should not be an issue,” quoted Daljeet Singh

“There are around 50 days to complete the work, the stadium is ready to host an international match,” added a BCCI official. The Duleep Trophy final, scheduled on September 25, would also be hosted by the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow