BCCI likely to allot World T20 matches to Chepauk

The MA Chidmabaram Stadium (Chepauk) in all likelihood will get a go-ahead from the BCCI as well as ICC in their bid to host matches of the ICC World T20, scheduled to be played in March-April, 2016.

A view of the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

The MA Chidmabaram Stadium (Chepauk) in all likelihood will get a go-ahead from the BCCI as well as ICC in their bid to host matches of the ICC World T20, scheduled to be played in March-April, 2016.

There were a couple of reasons for BCCI being wary of giving any matches to Chepauk. Primarily, the three empty stands I, J and K for which the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) has not got clearance certificate as they don’t comply to the norms. According to CMDA (Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority) norms, the gap between two stands should be eight metres, which currently is 5.4 metres.

The second reason is that the Sri Lankan team cannot play in Chennai.

However it has been learnt that the BCCI will not strip Chepauk from the list of venues as they feel that having three empty stands will not be a problem.

“We have now had IPL matches as well as international matches at the Chennai for years with three empty stands. I don’t think three empty stands will stand in the way of Chepauk being not allowed to host the match. There are no ICC norms regarding empty stands,” a senior official close to BCCI president Shashank Manohar told PTI today.