Qaiser Mohammad Ali
By agreeing to host a relocated India-Sri Lanka T20 International in Ranchi at a short notice, the Jharkhand State Cricket Association (JSCA) has not only grabbed the opportunity with both hands but has shown the mismanaged DDCA how to organise big matches.
JSCA has not only happily agreed to host the match on 12 February, but within a few hours of the BCCI intimating it about the relocation of the match from Delhi, booked 135 rooms in two hotels in Ranchi for the two teams and officials.
JSCA secretary Rajesh Verma said that even the pitch at the JSCA International Stadium Complex would be ready for the match, which was shifted after the DDCA failed to secure all the required permissions from government agencies.
“We were sounded out a couple of days ago that there were chances that the match might be shifted from Delhi to Ranchi. We said ‘okay’. If we are given an opportunity we would host it,” Verma told www.jantakareporter.com from Ranchi.
“In fact, all the infrastructure is ready. We have also been told that the senior Indian and Sri Lankan women’s teams are coming to Ranchi. So, we have started the preparations, after being told only three days ago [about hosting the match]. But we are ready for the match,” he said.
Asked if he would be able to find hotel accommodation for the two teams and the accompanying match officials, besides the dignitaries, Verma informed that he had already booked enough rooms.
“We have already blocked around 75 rooms at Radisson Blue and 60 rooms at Capitol Residency,” he said.
And what about the pitch as it has to be in top condition for an international match?
“Now-a-days, you water the pitch and roll for about two days before a match and it is ready. The pitch will be ready. Also, because the zonal matches were being played here [in Ranchi]. So it will not be a problem,” he said.
Ranchi’s JSCA International Stadium Complex has so far hosted three One-day International, the last of which was played on 16 November 2014.
Ranchi is the home town of India’s ODI and T20 captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni. Who knows, the 12 February match could well be the last time Dhoni’s home fans would see their hero in action in an international match. JSCA can be virtually assured of a full house.