Have you been to Vadodara in recent times? You are not likely to match up your memory about the city, when you visit it next time. For by then the city will boast of a number of open lush fields dotted with trees around the boundary. For Baroda Cricket Association (BCA) has taken up a unique venture; it is on its way to take over city’s unused grounds in an attempt to give a boost to cricket in the state. And several grounds across the length and breath of the city are under their scanner. The BCA plan involves turning these unused grounds into fine cricket practicing grounds, so that the aspiring cricketers are provided with better facilities for the development of their cricket skills.
According to a BCA official, the number of aspiring cricketers seeking admission to BCA is on constant rise and Motibaug Ground, the only ground at BCA’s disposal is not sufficient to serve the purpose. “The number of youngsters getting admitted into BCA is rising steadily and Motibaug Ground is not enough to cater to their needs. We need more and more grounds so that all the aspirants get proper practice round the year,” said the BCA official.
“Hence, we have decided to take over grounds that are not being utilized for any productive purpose. BCA will develop and maintain these grounds and prepare quality practice pitches,” the official added.
The BCA has already taken over the DN Hall Ground in MS University, which has been transformed into a lush, picturesque ground complete with practice pitches. The ground has been hosting matches regularly since the development. Regular tournaments are also being organized by BCA at Alembic Ground, Gujarat Refinery Ground, GSFC Ground and Reliance Stadium.
Presently BCA has its eyes fixed on two grounds - one is Bhutadizampa Police Ground, and the other one is an open plot behind the Bhailal Amin General Hospital in Gorwa. BCA is reportedly in the middle of talk with the police department for a possible take over. “At the moment, we are trying to takeover these two grounds for development. More grounds will be considered soon,” sources said.
Meanwhile on the other side of the border, the Pakistan cricket think tank is mulling over new set of rules for veteran cricketers. Pakistan’s veteran cricket association is soon to toughen eligibility requirements following the deaths of two players in Karachi this year. Fakhir Khairi, a doctor and a veteran cricketer died from cardiac arrest during a veterans match earlier this year. One two days ago another veteran cricketer, Javed Sheikh, 53, died after complaining of chest pain after bowling three overs in a night match.
The Pakistani cricket authorities are on their way to introduce tougher guidelines, so that celebration of positive attitude in ripe age does not end in such tragedies.
“We definitely will be setting new guidelines to ensure players with cardiac problems and serious medical history doesn’t play in these senior tournaments. These veteran cricket tournaments are supposed to be positive activities.... we don’t want to see such tragedies,” Fawad Ijaz, the president of the veterans cricket association, said.
