HCA : 'No question of backing out from hosting India-Bangladesh Test'

A confident HCA secretary K. John Manoj, who had detailed discussions with the BCCI South Zone curator P.R. Viswanathan along with the latter’s HCA counterpart Y.L. Chandrasekhar and his ground staff about the pitch preparation, again informed Sportstar on Monday that there was no question of backing out from hosting the Test.

Published : Jan 09, 2017 11:30 IST , Hyderabad

HCA secretary said that the association have made arrangements for Bangladesh to come a bit earlier as the side would like to play a three-day warm-up game.
HCA secretary said that the association have made arrangements for Bangladesh to come a bit earlier as the side would like to play a three-day warm-up game.
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HCA secretary said that the association have made arrangements for Bangladesh to come a bit earlier as the side would like to play a three-day warm-up game.

The Hyderabad Cricket Association is all set to sign an agreement worth Rs. 1.60 crore with 21st Century for according in-stadia rights to the India-Bangladesh Test at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium here next month.

Read: >HCA refutes BCCI's claim, says ready to host India-Bangladesh Test

A confident HCA secretary K. John Manoj, who had detailed discussions with the BCCI South Zone curator P.R. Viswanathan along with the latter’s HCA counterpart Y.L. Chandrasekhar and his ground staff about the pitch preparation, again informed Sportstar on Monday that there was no question of backing out from hosting the Test.

“Let me reiterate that even if we don’t get the BCCI funds we are not going to back out from hosting the Test match. We are capable of hosting it as we deem it as a prestigious event since it happens to be the first-ever Test for Bangladesh in India,” the HCA secretary said.

“As part of our efforts, we are going to sign this in-stadia advertisement rights agreement which also means we getting Rs. 80 lakh as advance payment. Just in case, we don’t get the funds from the BCCI on time towards the conduct of the Test, this amount would be more than handy,” John Manoj explained.

The secretary wrote a letter on Monday to the BCCI CEO Rahul Johri expressing disappointment at the “doubts created about HCA hosting the Test match.”

“It is unfortunate some sections of the media reported, quoting BCCI official, about HCA expressing inability to host this Test match. I would like to reiterate that preparations are in full swing,” the secretary had stated in the letter.

John Manoj said what they had written was seeking about Rs. 65 lakh which had to be released for any association hosting a Test match as per the Supreme Court. “We were only seeking a clarification as the deadline is fast approaching. Ironically, there was no reply to our communication in this regard till this morning,” the HCA official pointed out.

Showing neatly-painted and numbered chairs, John Manoj said spectators would sit in designated seats only.

“We have written to various schools, with a sporting background, informing that entry will be free for students during the Test. Every day, about 2000 students from five schools will be accommodated to watch the match,” he said.

"In a couple of days, we will even finalise the denominations, which should be very nominal, for the Test match and the tickets will be available on Bookmyshow,” the secretary added.

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