The 4th ODI of India And Australia Could Be The Last International Game At The IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali

In India, the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) IS Bindra stadium is one of the most iconic and well-known cricket grounds. This stadium has hosted 13 test matches and 18 ODI games thus far starting from 1993. The unforgettable World Cup 2011 semi-final between India and Pakistan was also hosted at this stadium itself. In addition to this, the World Cup 1996 semi-final was also played here.
But now, the stadium has gone out of fashion. It seems to be pretty much old-styled and therefore, the Punjab Cricket Association has been working on building a new stadium. The existing ground will become a ‘former’ international stadium once the new ground is functional. However, that does not mean that the ground will remain idle.
 
There has been so much competition between Afghanistan and Maldives to use this stadium as a training ground. It has got all the facilities which are required under one roof. Thus, either of these teams will use these existing amenities for improving upon their game. Unless it gets a Test in the 2019-20 seasons, there won’t be further international action here.
The new stadium boasts of a seating capacity of 38,000. The new ground which will be functional from next year has got a seating capacity of 38,000 which is 10,000 more than what it is at the IS Bindra Stadium. Even the IPL games next year will take place at this stadium. The PCA has been receiving various FAQs from countries with inadequate infrastructure for cricket on letting them use this stadium.

PCA secretary RP Singla said that they have received a letter from the cricket authorities of Maldives. They wish to hold training camps here. Afghanistan officials have also spoken to them. Everything including training facilities, ground to play, accommodation and food, is available here under one roof. They intend making these available to those interested from next year. Although it’d non-functional, revenue can still be taken out from this stadium.
With the Supreme Court not giving permission to the BCCI for releasing as many funds as earlier, state associations have been undergoing a financial crisis. The PCA seems to have sufficient funds, however. Singla said that money isn’t a problem for the association to complete this dream project.
Singla said that they had sufficient from the PCA’s share of BCCI revenues before the court passed that order. Finance has not been a constraint.
 
By: Preeti Narula

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