Thiruvananthapuram: The West Indies vs India match, played at University stadium in 1988, which the visitors had won by nine wickets was the only international match that was fresh in the memory of old timers. “When we hosted the West Indies Match, the stadium was packed. Back then, it just had a capacity of over 5,000. I remember Vivian Richards and Kapil Dev playing the match,” said Jacob Punnoose, a former IPS officer. The match saw opener K Srikkanth scoring a ton in partnership with Mohinder Amarnath. However, the hosts lost the match.
Before that, a little talked about match played between India and Australia in 1984 was abandoned due to rain. The Indian squad comprising DB Vengsarkar, Kapil Dev, Sunil Gavaskar and Ravi Shasthri had scored a total of175 runs. The Australian team comprising Kepler Wessels and Allan Border scored 29 at the loss of a wicket before the match was called off. “The times have changed, we have a full fledged cricket stadium that has ten times more capacity. I am sure we will have full attendance for the match to be hosted this year,” Mr Punnoose said. As per KCA’s records, an Under 19 International match was also played between India and Australia at the Vellayani Stadium here in 1994. The participants included players like Bret Lee, Andrew Symonds, Michael Hussey and VVS Laxman who later made it into senior teams.
KCA confident of bagging recognition for stadium
The International Cricket Council (ICC) recognition, a pre-requisite to host international cricket matches, will be an easy step for Kariyavattom stadium as it satisfies all requirements, said Kerala Cricket Association secretary Jayesh George. “BCCI acting secretary Amitabh Choudhary and operation general manager M.V. Sridhar had inspected the stadium (on May 14). They expressed full satisfaction about the venue and suggested a few alterations in stadium. Since, the BCCI is convinced about the quality of the venue, I am sure ICC recognition will be easy,” said Jayesh George.
As a prequel to the proposed India vs Sri Lanka matches, two Ranji matches will be played at the ground. During the 2016-17 Ranji season, two matches were played at St Xavier’s stadium at Thumba. “Before the international match, we need to establish 10 to 15 committees for reception and transport among others. There is a long time to go before tickets are made available,” Mr George added.
The KCA had signed a memorandum of understanding with Karyavattom Sports Facilities Ltd (KSFL) to use the greenfield international stadium for 180 days a year until September 2027.
