The Hindu : Sport / Cricket : CAB distances itself from temporary stand fiasco

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Mar 16, 2010
ePaper | Mobile/PDA Version

Sport

Sport - Cricket

CAB distances itself from temporary stand fiasco

Principal Correspondent

KOLKATA: The Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) sought to absolve itself from the controversy over the construction of a temporary structure in the Eden Gardens saying it is the responsibility of the IPL III franchise, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), which has entire control of the activities.

The reaction came following the news of a first information report (FIR) filed against CAB and KKR at the Maidan Police Station by the Fire Services Department of the State Government questioning the safety of the structure.

The CAB made its stand clear saying that it sought the initial permission from the Fire Services department by paying the requisite fees. The temporary structure or the Super Hospitality Area, which KKR constructed to provide special treatment to its guests and owners of the special pass, did not figure in the initial scheme of things.

The CAB gave permission for its construction asking the franchise to obtain permission from the relevant authorities. “The CAB informed Kolkata Police on February 27 that it accorded its approval to KKR for the temporary structure, subject to their obtaining permissions from the relevant authorities,” Mr. Dalmiya said in a news conference on Monday.

The president said that CAB was merely a “facilitator of the stadium for the IPL matches and the entire control and management of the matches lie with the KKR.”

When the Fire Services raised objection to the structure and sent a letter (on March 12) advising it to be dismantled, the CAB forwarded the letter to KKR to get the matter sorted out.

“The association has taken all the necessary action and it should not be blamed for any wrongdoing,” Mr. Dalmiya said.

The Fire Services blow comes after the KKR managed to obtain a conditional permit for the structure for two matches from the Public Works Department, which oversees construction on all government properties.

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

Sport