Indian cricketers have been on hiatus since March due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. With the announcement that IPL 2020 will be played in UAE from September 19 to November 8, it is imperative for the players to hit the ground running.
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Therefore, BCCI is all set to organise a training camp for its cricketers at the Sardar Patel Stadium in Ahmedabad under bio-secure environment.
Speaking to Mumbai Mirror, a source associated with Gujarat Cricket Association (GCA) confirmed that the newly revamped stadium in Motera will host Team India from August 18 to September 4.
“The final decision about the venue is yet to be taken. But I can tell you that Motera is going to host the Indian team from August 18 to September 4,” the source said.
Dharamsala was also the contender to host India's training camp but the facilities at the expansive stadium in Motera sealed the deal.
“After its renovation, the facilities that the stadium in Motera provide are at par with the best stadiums in the world. The vastness of Motera can give players a bio-secure environment, which has become important criteria following the pandemic,” the source stated.
Renovated at a cost of Rs 800 crore approximately, the stadium’s four dressing rooms along with a 55-room clubhouse with modern amenities can keep the players busy while they practice in a bio-secure environment.
“Among the facilities, the clubhouse has an Olympic size swimming pool, a 3D projector theatre and facilities for various sports including tennis, table tennis, badminton and squash which will keep the players engaged as they will stay on the campus,” he said.
While GCA officials are silent on this matter, a top official is confident that the stadium will host the camp.
“The final decision is yet to be taken. There are so many things to be kept in mind. But I am sure that we can host the camp,” the official, who did not want to reveal his identity, said.
“We have some good facilities for the players to keep them busy in the bio-secure environment,” he added.
