By:Himvani
The Board of Cricket Control of India would set up an high altitude national cricket academy in Himachal Pradesh provided the state government issues suitable land for the same.
This was stated by the Secretary of BCCI Mr. Anurag Thakur while interacting with media persons here today. “It is my keen desire that like International Cricket Stadium at Dharmshala the government should plan to set up NCA in the state. I would write a letter to Himahcal Pradesh Government to provide the chunk of lands to set up high altitude academy in order to horn the skills of budding cricketers here ” as quoted by Mr. Anurag Thakur.
Responding to a query Mr Thakur said that BCCI is looking for a suitable high altitude place to set up NCA in the country however there is no proposal from the state to show any keenness. I would write to the state government to give its consent and proposal to offer land for NCA. He said that it would be set up in the state however it is the discretion of the state if it would show any interest or not. I have written more than 300 letters as Member of Parliament to the state but never found Mr. Virbhadra Singh positive for it.
Replying to a query about allegations of Rupees 100 crore corruption in Dharmshala cricket stadium leveled by the former Union Minister Jairam Ramesh Mr.Thakur said that the Congress leader has misguided people as total cost of stadium came to Rupees 50 crore and how could any stadium, which came up with Rupees 50 crore, involve Rupees 100 crore scam. BCCI secretary also said that despite making tall claims to set up a cricket stadium at Shimla district Mr.Singh has not been able to spend a single penny on any sports ground so far.
Being HPCA president, I never ignore Shimla, Solan and Sirmaur districts as Himachal Pradesh Cricket Stadium at Pragatinagar near Gumma in Shimla district is ready to be dedicated to the people in the month of October this year.
” It was during 2003 and 2012 that Congress returned to power in the state when government sealed and attached HPCA stadium but in 2003 the efforts of HPCA paved its way to bring Himahcal Pradesh Cricket Team on the national level and later HPCA emerged as an international cricket stadium.
He said that Dharmshala has been selected as one of eight venues for the upcoming IPL matches but however ICC has proposed to set up three venues in the country. He also confirmed that five IPL matches are likely to be held early next year at Dharmshala.