Keen to improve quality playfields in all 13 districts, where Andhra Cricket Association controls cricket, it has taken up development of two grounds – one each at Perecherla and Narasaraopet in Guntur district.
Speaking to The Hindu on Friday, ACA director (cricket operations) M.S.K. Prasad said that plantation work was complete at Perecherla and the grass will be mowed and pruned. The playfield is situated at SGVR School on a 70-yard circle. “We will develop dressing rooms and other basic facilities to host the district, zonal and BCCI junior tournaments. In a couple of months the playfield will be ready,” he added.
In Narasaraopet also a lush green playfield will be ready in four months at Reddy College. “Guntur district has a field at the women’s academy at JKC College, which has already been selected as a permanent venue for country’s women cricket,” Mr. Prasad added.
The Krishna District Cricket Association will also have its first playfield at Mulapadu, near Ibrahimpatnam, where it has purchased 13.5 acres. “The land is 2.5 km from the National Highway No.9. We are planning two grounds with dressing rooms. They will be ready by next year at an estimated cost of Rs.1 crore,” said KDCA secretary Yella Rao.
The ACA constructed a stadium at Ongole on the premises of CSR Sarma College and acquired 10 acres at Eluru. “It has become imperative for ACA to offer good facilities as the game is becoming more competitive and players deserve good best infrastructure for practice,” said Joint Secretary Ch. Arun Kumar.
