Team Herald
PANJIM: The international cricket stadium could finally come up at Dhargal and not at Bicholim as per the decision arrived at the Annual General Body Meeting of Goa Cricket Association (GCA) on Sunday.
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“The clubs agreed that it was feasible to have the stadium at Dhargal more so because of the connectivity factor with the Mopa airport close by and with the likelihood of hotels coming up in the area, Dhargal scored over Bicholim. Besides, with the national highway connectivity it would be even possible to reach the capital city of Panjim in about 20 minutes,” reasoned out GCA President Vinod Phadke. “It is now a mandate from the clubs, they have given us the go ahead signal and it is our responsibility to take up the work as soon as possible,” added the top official of the association.
On the need for getting the nod from the Government, Phadke clarified that they had already met Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant and everyone is convinced that Dhargal scores over Bicholim, more so due to the BCCI protocol that stipulates that the travel time for the team players from the hotel to the venue of the match should be less than one hour. Everyone, including the Government is now convinced that Dhargal is the ideal location for the stadium and with the clubs having given the green signal, the work will now have to be taken up speedily, added Phadke.
It is only when the foundation stone is laid that one will know when the work will finally start. Actually, a lot of paper work about Dhargal has already been undertaken with a few formalities yet to be completed.
“Bicholim will not be neglected as the facilities therein would continue to be used for the promotion of the game. With the proliferation of cricket events, we will need more playgrounds, as of now we concentrate on Porvorim and Sanguem venues. We are ready to use any available ground and if the Government finds it difficult to maintain their grounds, than it is my appeal that a MoU could be signed for their usage on even sharing basis as we have sufficient funds to be spent for maintenance purpose,” explained Phadke.
On the order given by the Ombudsman, Phadke stressed that it was found that no decision was taken in violation of the GCA Constitution and its bye-laws. “Whatever was done by way of giving balls and equipment, was solely done to promote cricket. It was a routine matter since the clubs had a right to seek cricket material any time and we were bound to given these at any point of time as the objective was solely to promote the game. It was done to support the clubs,” remarked Phadke. Asked if anyone intends to proceed further in High Court, against the order of the Ombudsman, Phadke pointed out that one is free to do so, but that one who wants to do so, needs to remember and ponder that it will be the GCA which will have to spend its own money.
Those involved in promoting Under-14, Under-16 championships will be eligible for special grants and further, the normal grants will be enhanced. The decision on this matter and other issues will be taken by the Managing Committee so that a policy could be worked out for proper and uniform implementation, said Phadke.
The GCA plans to launch the Women’s Premier League with provision for inviting outstation players. Extra events also will be planned it is learnt.
GCA General Secretary, Rohan Desai said that today’s meeting attended by 107 clubs was a very fruitful one with good interaction. “Having heard the suggestions as well as the grievances of the clubs, I can say that cricket is heading towards proper path and development,” stressed Rohan.
