The organising committee, headed by Justice Mukul Mudgal, took charge of the assignment at the Ferozeshah Kotla on Saturday, ahead of the India-South Africa Test match to be held here from Dec. 3 to 7.
Aided by former Test opener Chetan Chauhan, the committee, which also includes some officials from the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA), initiated the process following orders from the Delhi High Court that Justice Mudgal would “oversee” the conduct of the match.
“It will be a pleasant experience for the spectators,” promised Justice Mudgal, who has been watching cricket at the Ferozeshah Kotla since 1950s.
“We will have a spectator-friendly atmosphere. The dressing rooms would be in excellent shape. We have interacted with the Police, Fire Department and Disaster Management Department to make it a safe and enjoyable experience for the fans.”
In an effort to make the facilities available to the under-privileged, Justice Mudgal has ensured “free entry” for school children.
“Empty stands are a sore sight during the Test matches these days and don’t provide a good cricketing atmosphere. So we have decided to provide free tickets for school kids from the weaker section of the society. When would they get a chance to see a Test match on their own?”
Justice Mudgal added: “We shall give the kids snacks and drinks too.
“You never know if a Tendulkar, Dravid, Gavaskar, Kapil could be hiding within them,” said Justice Mudgal.
He added these steps would be taken subject to permission from the High Court.
The DDCA, in accordance to a court order, can distribute ten thousand passes at its discretion. He would also be suggesting extending invitations to former international cricketers who have represented Delhi.
In a move that would set a welcome and healthy precedent, DDCA will invite short tenders and post the details online.
Want transparency“We want complete transparency in this matter. For the general public, food and drinks would be available at reasonable rates,” said Justice Mudgal, who is also expected to monitor appointments of officials attached to the teams.
The tenders would be examined by a former Deputy Controller and Auditor General.
“It has been decided to invite short tenders for various services like In-stadia rights, Transport, Catering, Security, Housekeeping, Walkie talkies and Tent,” a press release from the Justice Mudgal-headed committee announced.
Match tickets would be available online and also from allotted counters.
Justice Mudgal also promised to look into requests from media regarding the shoddy facilities at the Ferozeshah Kotla.
On the cricket front, Chauhan assured, “We want the match to last five days. The Test would be played on the centre pitch which has hosted two Ranji Trophy matches this season (both won by Delhi).
We don’t want the match to be one-sided. Batsmen will have a chance too. I can tell you there will be a big transformation from the earlier times when DDCA staged international matches. There will be transparency in every department.”
