Shivakumar says cricket matches at Chinnaswamy stadium allowed to protect Bengaluru's image
Belagavi (Karnataka) (PTI): Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Friday said his government had acted to safeguard Bengaluru's reputation by permitting cricket matches at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.
The state cabinet has cleared the way for Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) to host international and IPL matches at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, subject to compliance with the safety and security requirements, sources said.
All the matches has been suspended since June 4, after a stampede during the victory celebration of Royal Challengers’ Bengaluru at the Chinnaswamy Stadium left 13 people dead.
“We have decided about the IPL matches. We are positive. We have asked our Home Minister G Parameshwara to have a meeting with them (Karnataka State Cricket Association authorities). Parameshwara will discuss with the Cricket Association. The Home Minister will deal with it,” Shivakumar told reporters here.
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He underlined that the KSCA authorities must adhere to the recommendations of the Justice John Michael D’Cunha Commission, which was formed by the Karnataka government to probe the stampede.
Shivakumar added that he was very optimistic about lifting the restrictions on holding matches at the stadium.
“We are very positive. We want all the IPL matches to continue. We don’t want the image of Bengaluru to be spoilt though whatever happened (stampede) was not right,” he clarified.
The D’Cunha Commission had reportedly concluded that the ‘design and structure’ of the ground were ‘unsuitable and unsafe’ for mass gatherings.
The panel had recommended measures such as adequate gates for mass entry and exit, purpose-built queuing and circulation zones separated from public roads, emergency evacuation plans compliant with international safety norms, and sufficient parking among others.
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Experience comes when you play bigger teams in bilateral series: Rashid Khan
Chennai (PTI): Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan called for more bilateral series against stronger cricketing nations after his team signed off from the T20 World Cup on a high, defeating Canada in their final group match here on Thursday.
Afghanistan played some exhilarating cricket, going down to South Africa in a gripping second Super Over after the scores were tied, a humdinger that provided one of the early thrills of the World Cup.
However, the spin-bowling stalwart said Afghanistan could make significant strides if they get regular opportunities to compete against stronger cricketing nations.
"Couple of areas to improve, with the batting, the middle order got a bit stuck against the big teams, and then with the bowling the death overs. That comes when you play the bigger teams in bilateral series," said Rashid after his team defeat Canada by 82 runs, with him returning excellent figures of 2 for 19.
The stalwart said the side had arrived well prepared for the tournament and produced some breathtaking cricket, but admitted the narrow defeat to South Africa proved costly and remained a painful setback.
"We were well-prepared (for the tournament), we played some unbelievable cricket. The game against South Africa, that really hurt everyone. We had to win one of those (first two) games and see how the tournament unfolded. We'll take some positive things from this World Cup and look forward," he said.
With head coach Jonathan Trott set to part ways with the team, Rashid described the departure as an "emotional" moment for the side.
"I think we had some wonderful times with him. Where we are now, he played a main role. It's emotional to see him leave us, but that's how life is. We wish him all the best and somewhere down the line we see him again."
Ibrahim Zadran, who was named Player of the Match for his unbeaten 95 off 56 balls, said it was satisfying to finally register a substantial score after two below-par outings.
"I enjoyed it, didn't play better cricket in first two innings, which I expect. Wanted to back my skills, really enjoyed it. Pressure was there, it's there all the time. I want to put myself in pressure situations and enjoy it," said Zadran.
"Wanted to play positive cricket, rotate strike and punish bad ball, create partnerships and this is what I have done."
