Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS) has given its green signal to the Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) to convert its 3.5-acre ground on the Panangad campus into a cricket stadium.
A memorandum of understanding (MoU) will be signed this week. The governing council of the varsity, led by its Vice Chancellor Dr. B. Madhusoodana Kurup, has approved the plan.
As per the MoU, KCA will fund the entire project. It will set up turf wicket and improve the grass without loosing its environmental importance as per the plan approved by the varsity. The contract is for a period of 25 years.
Mr. Kurup told The Hindu on Monday that the association would use the stadium only for cricket while permitting the varsity to hold its sports and athletic meet. KCA will have to complete the project within 18 months. The expected initial cost is Rs. 5 crore.
No feeThe association shall permit the public inside the stadium without charging any fee. KCA will undertake the work of fencing, developing and maintaining the demarked area, with the approval of the university. Sprinkler irrigation system will be installed, if necessary.
The association will provide the workmen required for the daily maintenance of the stadium. The entire management of the stadium will be under the supervision of a 15-member management committee to be formed jointly by the KCA, including three nominees each of the Ernakulam District Cricket Association and the university. KUFOS Vice Chancellor will be the chairman of the committee.
The stadium initiative is part of the KCA’s decision way back in 2009 to develop first class stadiums in all the 14 districts of the State. The idea was to attract young talent to cricket with quality grounds.
