Excelsior Sports Correspondent
JAMMU, Aug 20: It sounds bizarre but is a fact that exclusively upgraded for cricket activities, the Maulana Azad Stadium — situated in the heart of city here–sans ‘practice turfs’– one of the mandatory requisites for any infrastructure meant for cricket.
Upgraded in the year 2020 by the National Projects Construction Corporation (NPCC) Limited at the cost of Rs 42.17 crores, the stadium has no ‘practice wickets’ neither inside the complex nor outside for the regular practice of the trainees.
Former Lieutenant Governor Girish Chandra Murmu on January 15, 2020, officially inaugurated the? renovated and upgraded? Maulana Azad cricket stadium. The Maulana Azad Stadium has been renovated under the Prime Minister’s Development Package (PMDP). Former Ranji Trophy Captain from Jammu and Kashmir, Ashwani Gupta expressed surprise on this asserting, “it is being claimed that the infrastructure has been upgraded to an international level but at the same time, it is shocking that the assets have no practice turfs.”
“Organising cricket matches shall not be the only motive but complete infrastructure is needed,” feels Mr Gupta, who is also Member Advisory Committee, Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA). “If we had practice turfs earlier (cemented & grassy) then why not after its renovation. Rather, after upgradation, pre-practice wickets should have been created. Why it was not done, must be enquired from the agency who executed the works,” said the former cricketer further suggesting that space is available inside and outside the premises for developing the practice wickets and it should be done without giving any second thought. Another former cricketer Ranjeet Kalra who also represented J&K in BCCI AGMs claimed that the work was executed by the NPCC along with Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council but there are few shortcomings that are needed to be rectified. “Former BCCI President and currently Union Sports Minister, Anurag Thakur had visited the stadium on my request in January 2020, he had pointed out certain additions that were needed to be made in the stadium,” revealed Mr Kalra. General space of practice for cricketers, practice pitches, net wickets on both sides of the ground, and also outside the venue, media boxes and other logistical additions were among suggestions made by the Minister, said Mr Kalra, asserting, “the concerned authority swung into action at that time but the decisions were left in the cold store and nothing was visible on ground thereafter.”
“We appeal to the J&K administration to look into this genuine concern for cricket activities inside the stadium in true spirit,” the former cricketer suggested. However, one of the officials of the NPCC, wishing anonymity said, “practice wicket was not in our proposal and we did what we were told to upgrade.” Administrator, Sub Committee, Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA), Brig (retd), Anil Gupta expressed that the infrastructure in its present shape is not suitable for cricket activities especially the matches.
“J&K Sports Council must enter into a fresh Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the JKCA, cricket experts, technical staff must be engaged so that the present facility can be remodified to make it an international level asset.” Most importantly, he suggested that after its re-upgradation, thereafter no parade ceremonies must be organised at this venue.
Pertinent to mention that Republic Day functions are organised every year at Maulana Azad Stadium and this year due to ongoing construction work at Mini Stadium, Parade Ground, the Independence Day function was also organised at the mentioned venue that invited criticism from many sports lovers. “Every year the security personnel dig the ground as a security concern and leave the ground filled with potholes. What is then fun of spending crores, if the facility is to be used for parades and not for the sports activities” ” they raised the question. Former Ranji Trophy cricketer, Sameer Khajuria disclosed that at the time of upgradation, a proposal for practice wickets was made but it was not considered. “Why it was not considered and who objected to this major requirement is better known to those who were at the helm of affairs at that time,”he said.
Many national and international cricketers have been produced by this stadium but at present, the trainees are practicing in mud filled Parade Ground, adding, how we can even think of producing outstanding stuff when despite facility, they don’t have a space to practice. ‘Practice turfs’ are must in every cricket ground but not having even one at M A Stadium is a surprise for cricketers. It is really a mockery.
“Despite upgradation, M A Stadium is not worth hosting national/international level matches as it has many drawbacks, which needs immediate rectification.” Pertinent to mention here that in March this year it was also highlighted that the cost expenditure spent on its up-gradation and renovation swelled than the total projected cost of Rs 42.17 crores after some changes were recommended by the Jammu and Kashmir Government in the year 2019.
In December, 2019, the NPCC submitted to the Ministry of Youth Services and Sports (MYAS) an additional estimated cost of Rs 6.20 crores against the changes recommended by the Jammu and Kashmir Government. The total cost expenditure of the project (renovation, up-gradation) was Rs 42.17 crores but Jammu and Kashmir Government recommended for some extra changes, the NPCC official had said. “Accordingly, we wrote to the MYAS and in return, we were asked to get the recommendations from the J&K Government authorities for approval,” he had further said, adding that after submitting the same recommendations, the Ministry dropped some of it and approved only the essential works required. The Government of India has earmarked Rs 200 cr for sports infrastructure and developing sports facilities all over the Union Territory.
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