KOZHIKODE: The issues between Kozhikode Corporation Mayor Prof A.K. Premajam and the Kerala Cricket Association have deepened over the allotment of EMS Memorial Corporation Stadium.
Though the KCA had requested the permission to maintain the stadium thrice through letter and meetings, the mayor didn’t respond positively.
Further to the KCA’s displeasure, the mayor also took a favourable stand towards the Football Association for the conduct of Nagji Trophy scheduled to be held early next year.
The KCA officials allege that the mayor is taking an implacable attitude against the conduct of the game in district.
Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, Kozhikode District Cricket Association secretary K.V. Sanil Chandran said, if the KCA got the stadium for maintenance, it would be able to host some elite matches of BCCI.
“The BCCI has allotted a lot of matches to KCA this season. Kozhikode will get the opportunity to get some of them if we get the stadium. Since the KCA is spending a lot on the maintenance of first-class cricket stadia across the state, we can ensure this stadium also kept in good condition 365 days. However, the mayor’s stand is disheartening despite we clarified that we have no issues in allowing the conduct of national and international football matches,” he said.
“In fact, we want the development of football and cricket here, and both should go side by side. We are still looking for a positive decision on mayor’s part.”
Reacting to the allegations, Prof Premajam said the letter given by KCA said they needed prior notice for allotting ground for football matches.
“The stadium is owned by the corporation and they cannot write arrogantly like that. Kozhikode is the city of football, and most of the people play football than cricket here,” she added.
