Thiruvananthapuram: The city will host the first BCCI match after a gap of five years at the newly developed St Xavier’s College Stadium, Thumba. Sanju V Samson will lead Kerala against Maharashtra in the prestigious U-23 Co CK Nayudu Trophy to be held from October 31.
The stadium constructed in collaboration with Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) has solved the infrastructural issues the association was pointing out as a primary reason to bring BCCI matches to the district.
Soon, Ranji Trophy matches will also be hosted at Thumba stadium located a stone's throw away from the Arabian Sea, KCA officials said.
The nine strip stadium modeled after those in England and Australia has raised ground covered with grass instead of pavilions. The last BCCI match hosted by the city was at LNCPE in 2010.
“Though Medical College ground and Vellayani stadium used to host matches in earlier days, the quality requirements BCCI expects at the venues have gone up over the time,” said Rejith Rajendran, head of finance committee, KCA.
The Thumba stadium, which was inaugurated in March this year, has been put to test many times within last seven months.
“We had 90 match days here with the venue being used for various intra-KCA, zonal matches. The pitch, outfield and the dressing room now meets BCCI standards,” said N. Jeevan, president of Thiruvananthapuram District Cricket Association.
South Zone curator P.R. Vishwanath has already inspected the stadium that has a unique sand base that drains out water within 15 minutes even after heavy rains.
The stadium with over 50,000 seating capacity has been leased by the college authorities for ten years. The KCA has also started constructing a new one at Veiloor, Mangalapuram.
