FUTURISTIC AMENITIES: The swimming pool and gymnasium at the adjacent block of Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Uppal.

HYDERABAD: It will be another feather in the cap of former test cricketer and secretary of Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) N. Shivlal Yadav.

For, the sprawling Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Uppal will soon have a full-fledged indoor cricket facility - facilitating practice sessions in all seasons. The equipment available will include a bowling machine.

Indoor cricket facility is a pre-requisite for getting the National Cricket Academy shifted from Bangalore to Hyderabad. "The indoor facility should cost us about Rs. 40 lakhs and we are determined to have it.

By the time BCCI holds its next general body meeting, we should comply with this final requirement to get the prestigious NCA," Mr. Yadav told The Hindu on the sidelines of the prize distribution of Moin-ud-Dowla Gold Cup cricket tournament.

Growing popularity

For any new visitor to the magnificent stadium, the beautiful swimming pool and the ultra-modern gymnasium are clearly the focus of attention. "We are making every effort to see that the cricketers do not find anything lacking here.

Everything will fall in place within the next six months. The onus is clearly on the players now," says Shivlal.

With the BCCI increasing the infrastructure grant to Rs. 25 crores this year, the HCA stepped up efforts to complete works at the stadium. Mr. Yadav says the HCA is ready to host a one-dayer during this season itself, after successfully conducting the India-South Africa one-dayer. "Given the opportunity, we will not be found wanting on any front."

What is keeping the spirits of the HCA top brass high is the willingness of the BCCI to extend all possible help to its efforts. Once the Club House and the other related facilities are through, the focus will shift to floodlighting the venue.

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