HYDERABAD: It is now almost certain that the Visaka International Stadium in Uppal, venue of the first one-dayer between India and South Africa on November 16, will be renamed after the late Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi before that match itself.

Sources say this was the clear message from the State Government after a high-level meeting convened by Chief Secretary with Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) officials on Wednesday.

But, contrary to the earlier impression, HCA is caught on a tricky wicket once again. For, the Government had only promised to help them in finding adequate sponsors to compensate the Rs. 4.3 crores handed over by Visaka Group as part of the total commitment of Rs. 6.5 crores to get the venue named after it. The Government has indicated that it may not reimburse this money.

The Visaka Group has agreed in principle not to insist on implementing the crucial clause in its MoU with HCA, which otherwise would have made HCA pay six times the total value (Rs. 6.5 crores) if there was any change of name of the stadium.

Triple role

The meeting also saw G. Vinod don the triple role of president of HCA, Minister of Labour & Employment and a facilitator between Visaka Group (owned by his brother) and the Government in this contentious issue.

HCA officials including P. Yadagiri, treasurer and M. V. Sridhar, former joint-secretary, at the meeting were told explicitly of the seriousness with which the Government is considering to name the stadium after Rajiv Gandhi before November 16, the day when the first official one-day international match will be played.

Meeting

For its part, the Government has convened a meeting of top officials of many banks and some corporate groups to spot some prospective sponsors.

The proposal includes that HCA would name some of the vantage points in the stadium after them if they contribute in a substantial manner.

HCA in a dilemma

By all means, the HCA is caught in a dilemma. It can neither ignore the strong message from the Government nor will it be easy to pay back Rs. 4.3 crores from its own account if no sponsors are found before the November 16 deadline and then settle the issue after the match.

But, one thing which is certain, is that the Uppal stadium will be renamed Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium if Chief Minister Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy is to be present at the venue for the formal inauguration of the match, no matter what financial constraints the HCA faces.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail