Now, KCA evinces interest in Cusat ground at Thrikkakara

Students warming up at the ground of the Cochin University of Science and Technology main campus at Thrikkakara.—Photo : Thulasi Kakkat

Close on the heels of its stadium project with the Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS) at Panangad, the Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) has approached the Cochin University of Science and Technology (Cusat), promising to convert its main ground on the Thrikkakara campus into a first-class cricket-cum-football venue.

KCA secretary T.C. Mathew along with Sunny P. Jose, the industrial representative in Cusat syndicate, held discussions with Vice Chancellor J. Letha a few weeks back and discussed the major highlights of the proposed joint venture.

The Hindu had reported on January 7 that the government asked the KUFOS authorities to re-examine the cricket stadium project with KCA after senior officials of the Fisheries Department expressed concerns over a decision by the varsity’s governing council in November to hand over the ground to KCA for 25 years.

Senior Cusat officials close to the development said KCA had agreed to fund Rs. 1 crore initially to upgrade the varsity ground into a first-class stadium that could be used for holding Ranji matches.

As per the initial suggestions, the KCA will be permitted to use the ground exclusively for 200 days a year. The varsity will have control over its stadium for the remaining period.

The university authorities also presented an alternative plan, where KCA will develop a site close to the Kunjali Marakkar School of Engineering instead of the main ground. But the cricket association rejected it stating that the land was not ideal for the stadium project while suggesting that the varsity could use its own funds to develop the site.

The Hindu has learnt that the varsity is yet to take a final decision on the KCA proposal.

There is also lack of clarity on the lease period and concerns whether the students on the campus will be denied a chance to utilise the stadium for playing cricket and football round-the-year.

Cusat has also taken note of the legal ramifications of the project especially after the government asked KUFOS to re-examine its venture with KCA.