Ahmedabad stadium to host ICL matches

Ahmedabad, Aug 27 : The Sardar Patel Stadium in the heart of the city will host some of the 42 Indian Cricket League (ICL) matches in the new season commencing Oct 10.

Addressing the media here Wednesday, ICL executive board chairman and former India captain Kapil Dev said the day/night matches will be played in four centres, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Chandigarh and Gurgaon.

Ahmedabad could see 10 to 12 matches in the series that will be on till Nov 25, he said.

Kapil Dev said as per an agreement signed Tuesday between the Essel Group promoted rebel league ICL and the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) that owns the stadium, the ICL would spend Rs.100 million (Rs.10 crore) for upgradation of the stadium and Rs.30-40 million for floodlights, apart from improving the pitch, outfield, and dressing rooms.

The contract span is for 10 years.

Kapil Dev also called for BCCI recognition to the ICL while recalling his fond memories here, saying it was in Ahmedabad that he surpassed Sir Richard Hadlee's World Test wicket-taking record.

The ICL has given Gujarat its first home team, Ahmedabad Rockets, comprising young players from the state and overseas superstars who have undergone strenuous training in Bangalore recently.

The month-long Twenty20 tournament will culminate in a best-of-three finals, the fixtures for which will be announced later.