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The International Cricket Council, the apex body in the cricketing world, has chosen 4 cities in India as the venues for the ICC Champions Trophy 2006. Since the ICC World Cup in 1996, in the last 10 years, India did not host any international cricketing event of global measure. This upcoming event is undoubtedly going to be well received after such a long gap by the huge fan following of the cricket-loving nation of India.
India, as a major cricket-playing nation, has a fair share of credit in hosting premier events of global sports. In keeping with the expectation of cricket fans, BCCI (the Board of Cricket Control in India) would spare no pains to make it an exemplary success. The four ICC Champions Trophy Venues are: Each of the stadiums has a rich history of hosting international cricket events in India. Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur:A total of 6 matches, including one semifinal, would take place in this stadium located at one corner of the Rambagh Circle. The games are scheduled on 11, 13, 15, 17, 21 October and 2 November 2006. The stadium has already gone under last minute refurbishment before the prestigious event. The seating capacity would extend to an estimated 40,000 after the expansion and floodlights are on the cards to host day night matches. The local cricket authority assures a spectacular show of much talked about Rajasthani songs and dances at the inauguration of the main event on 15 October.Sardar Patel Stadium, Ahmedabad:5 day-night matches would take place on the floodlit grounds of this stadium on 8, 10, 24, 26 and 28 in October. The stadium has regularly hosted a number of international cricket matches in the recent past. Equipped with contemporary arrangements, the stadium already has a seating capacity of 48,000. The expansion before the start of the tournament would add another 9,000 totaling up to a huge 57,000. Both the audience and the press would surely benefit from the expanded seating capacity. It is also said that the cricketers would love the all-new green outfield.Punjab Cricket Association Stadium, Mohali (Chandigarh):Another 5 matches including 1 semifinal are scheduledon 7, 25, 27, 29 in October and 1 November in this stadium located in the nearby suburb of Chandigarh. It is one of the best stadiums in India and is often compared to the best ones across the world. It already has floodlights fitted in the ground. The gallery, press box and restaurants and even the toilets are world class. The renowned stadium is gearing up to do justice to the honor of being selected as one of the ICC Champions Trophy Venues.Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai:One of the oldest stadiums in India is one of the ICC Champions Trophy Venues and would play host to 5 matches including the Final one on 14, 16, 18, 20 in October and 5 November 2006. Conveniently located near the Churchgate Railway Station and only a few hundred meters away from Wankhede Stadium, another famous ground in Mumbai, this stadium is going under complete renovation to host the ICC Champions Trophy matches. The stadium has a beautiful pitch on which many historic games have been played. Keep an eye out for Bollywood movie stars cheering on their favorite teams from the VIP Box!! |
Last Updated on 24 August 2012
