Ahmedabad Stadium could host a big opening game: Details here
What's the story
The new-look Sardar Patel Stadium in Ahmedabad could be set for a big opening game. As per reports, BCCI President Sourav Ganguly is seeking approval from the International Cricket Council (ICC) to host a game involving the Asia XI and the World XI in March. Although the international calendar is already packed, the match of that caliber would certainly be a boost. Here's more.
Stadium details
Stadium to have a capacity of more than 1 lakh
The stadium has previously hosted a number of matches, including the 2011 ICC World Cup. It was in 2015 when a full-scale redevelopment plan was announced. The construction of a newly designed stadium began in 2017. As of now, construction is set to be completed by January 2020 and the new seating capacity is to be 1,10,000, overtaking Melbourne Cricket Ground's (MCG) 1,00,024.
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Narendra Modi to inaugurate the new stadium
Ever since the redevelopment began, Jay Shah, union home minister Amit Shah's son, has been saying that the new stadium was the brainchild of Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi. On the same note, it has now being believed that the PM would inaugurate the stadium.
Venue records
Some records at this venue
As for some records at this venue: - Sunil Gavaskar completed 10,000 Test runs during the 1986-87 series against Pakistan. - Kapil Dev had claimed nine wickets in an innings on his opening match here. - He had also claimed his 432nd Test wicket to go past Sir Richard Hadlee. - Sachin Tendulkar scored his maiden Test double hundred, against New Zealand.
Schedule
Two-match T20I Asia XI-World XI series already scheduled in March
Speaking of Asia XI vs World XI, it is to be noted that a similar two-match T20I series is scheduled to take place in Bangladesh in March, as a part of the country's Sheikh Mujibur Rahman centenary celebration. Thus, ICC can make the schedule accordingly involving the same teams. However, it is not clear yet if the Motera leg would be T20I or ODI.
Dhoni for Asia XI?
Dhoni and Virat Kohli could play for Asia XI
While the world awaits MS Dhoni's return to international cricket, it is being believed that Dhoni, along with Indian skipper Virat Kohli, could feature for Asia XI against the World XI for the 2020 Sheikh Mujibur Rahman centenary T20I tournament in Bangladesh. As per a report, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has asked the BCCI to send seven players for the tournament.