Kolkata: Former India cricketer Sourav Ganguly, now the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) chief, ruled out ghazal maestro Ghulam Ali’s concert scheduled to be held at Eden Gardens.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) is set to inspect the ground on January 15 ahead of the ICC World T20 starting in March and Ganguly did not want any distractions as the stadium will host the final.
Earlier, during the 2011 World Cup, the India-England fixture had to be moved to Bangalore after ICC had declared Eden Gardens not fit enough to hold the international match.
“We have received a proposal from the West Bengal Minorities Development and Finance Corporation. But with the World T20 round the corner (in March-April), the stadium can’t be used for a cultural event. The ICC team will come for a venue inspection on January 15 and everything has to be in order. Else, matches might move out,” he told The Indian Express.
“I have informed the WBMDFC. I have also expressed my regret to Sultan Ahmed (Trinamool Congress Lok Sabha MP). I had a meeting with DC (South) and told him it wouldn’t be possible. I will inform the chief minister,” he added.
Mamata Banerjee, the chief minister, had earlier said that the City of Joy is open for the ghazal legend’s concert after it was called off in Mumbai following threats from Shiv Sena.
