18-Oct-2008 287
A modernised Barabati Stadium, the sporting pride of Orissa, is all set to stage for the first time the NKP Salve Challenger Trophy one-day cricket series from October 23 to 26.
The four-match day-night series, involving three teams — India Red, India Blue and India Green — will an ideal opportunity for fringe players to impress the selectors for the one-day series against England next month.
Challenger tournament will also serve as a dress reharsal for the fifth India-England one-dayer to be played at Barabati on November 26, Orissa Cricket Association (OCA) secretary Asirbad Behera said at a media conference in Cuttack this evening.
Besides a host of star players and National selectors, BCCI secretary S Srinivasan will be seen here during the Challeger Series. BCCI`s new president Shasank Manohar may also turn up for the event.
The OCA secretary said that many state-of-the-art facilities will be used on the occasion of the Challenger Series. "Barabati Stadium is being renovated with a view to make it one of the best cricket venues of the world.
Around 30 per cent of the Rs 56 crore-worth renovation plan has already been completed.
Another 10 per cent will be ready by time of the ODI, while the entire project will be finished by end of 2009," elaborated Behera.
The 30 per cent renovation work includes a new outfield with bermuda grass, five pitches, players` dressing rooms, OCA administrative building, a pavillion, a conference hall and a 3,000-capacity corporate box.
Of the new facilities, the dressing rooms, equipped with hi-tech toilets, massage chairs, sauna and lockers, will be a delight for the players.
"Out of the five new pitches, three will be used for the Challenger Series. State Ranji probables have already tested the pitches during two trial matches and they are offering good bounce," stated the OCA secretary.
The 33,000-capacity Barabati Stadium expects a full-house for the Challenger Series as there will be no tickets for the public to watch the matches.
"But the capacity will be increased up to 40,000 for the ensuing ODI," Behera informed.
The three teams have already been announced by the BCCI. Yuvraj Singh, Mohammad Kaif and S Badrinath will lead India Blue, India Gree and India Red respectively.
Raju Mukherjee will be the match referee. SK Tarapore, SS Hazare, Sudhir Asnani and Amish Saheba have been named as umpires. Players and officials are expected arrive on October 21. Accommodation arrangement for players and officials has been made at Hotel Mayfair Lagoon in Bhubaneswar. Teams will be taken to and brought back by air-conditioned buses and cars.
Matches will be telecast live by NEO Sports.
Schedule:
Oct 23: India Red vs India Blue
Oct 24: India Green vs India Red
Oct 25: India Green vs India Blue
Oct 26: Final.
Match timings: 2.00 pm to 10.00 pm
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