The city’s only cricket stadium and the most-sought after ground, the Indira Gandhi Municipal Corporation Stadium — which had been misused over the past couple of years — will remain closed for two months from January 27 to undergo renovation.
Neglected
The stadium, which once hosted international matches, lost its sheen after its maintenance was neglected and the ground was used for purposes other than sports.
At a press conference here on Saturday, Municipal Commissioner G. Veerapandian announced that the stadium would reopen in March when a star match showcasing cinema and cricket celebrities would be held.
“In the first phase, it will be renovated with international standards in two months and will be opened in the 2nd or 3rd week of March to host a fun match. Later in two more phases renovation works will be taken up,” he said.
The renovation is being taken up at the request of organisers of the Celebrity Cricket League, who met the Municipal Commissioner on December 2 and discussed the arrangements.
CCL founder I. Vishnu Vardhan, film producer K. L. Narayana and others urged Mr. Veerapandian to provide all amenities and proper ambience and the latter assured them he would do so.
Promoting Amaravati
The two-day cricket league is likely to be named after Amaravati to promote the capital region.
Responding to a request from the State government, the CCL came forward to host the match with celebrities like Adam Gilchrist, Virender Sehwag, Brian Lara and a few others. Among the celebrities from film industry, actor Venkatesh and many others will join the league.
The stadium, being readied to host the Republic Day celebrations, will be closed after that for renovation.
