Kochi: Test cricket can finally be played in Kerala as the Greater Cochin Development Authority has agreed to lease out the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium to the Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) for 30 years.
GCDA chairman N. Venugopal announced the decision after the executive committee meeting held here on Monday.
"This major policy decision was taken after detailed discussions with executive committee members and representatives of KCA and Kerala Football Association (KFA).
A sub-committee has been constituted to discuss and finalise the financial aspects of the lease agreement," said Venugopal. Benny Behanan MLA, Hibi Eden MLA and Akbar Badshah, GCDA executive committee member are members of the sub-committee which will be chaired by N. Venugopal.
The KCA and the KFA had earlier reached an agreement on the use of the stadium. Cricket and football matches will be scheduled in the stadium based on the understanding between the associations. Office space and common facilities in the stadium will be split equally between the two associations and two separate entries will be provided for them.
The sub-committee will decide on the annual lease amount to be paid by the KCA, rent for the office space, charges for parking facilities outside the stadium, advertisement rates and maintenance charges to be given to GCDA.
"After finalising the financial terms, the sub-committee will submit the final draft to the GCDA general council," added the GCDA chairman. In order to be allotted a test match, the KCA should either have a stadium or possess one on long-term lease.
