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Tag: BCCI

  • Team India Getting Undue Advantage In T20 World Cup 2024 Schedule? Wasim Jaffer’s Blunt Dig Goes Viral | Cricket News

    The build-up to the T20 World Cup 2024 has been electric, with fans and pundits dissecting every angle. A recent claim from Wisden Cricket that the schedule might be giving India an undue advantage has added fuel to the fire. According to Wisden, India’s knowledge of their potential semi-final venue and timing might spare them the challenges other teams face, such as the dew factor in morning games. However, former Indian batsman Wasim Jaffer, known for his humorous social media banter, didn’t let this claim slide without a sharp retort.

    It’s one thing to know where your SF will be played, it’s another thing to qualify for it. For example WTC Final have always been held in England but England have never qualified _ #T20WorldCup https://t.co/QWmDT4JkHt

    — Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) June 3, 2024 Jaffer’s Tweet Sparks Laughter and Reflection

    In a post on X, Wisden Cricket suggested that the schedule favours India. They pointed out that India, knowing their possible semi-final venue and the favourable timing of their matches, could avoid the dew factor that often influences morning games. Jaffer’s response was both humorous and poignant: “It’s one thing to know where your SF (semi-final) will be played, it’s another thing to qualify for it.”

    Jaffer’s pointed comment didn’t stop there. He went on to draw a parallel with the ICC World Test Championship Finals, noting that despite being held in England, the English team has never managed to qualify for it. His response was a subtle reminder that while logistics and scheduling play a role, performance on the field is what truly counts.

    A History of Banter with Michael Vaughan

    Jaffer’s interactions on social media, especially with former England captain Michael Vaughan, have become legendary. Their exchanges are often filled with playful digs and insightful cricket analysis, making them a favorite among fans. This latest episode is no exception, adding another layer to their ongoing rivalry.

    India’s T20 World Cup journey ahead

    As the T20 World Cup 2024 kicks off, India’s journey is eagerly anticipated. They begin their campaign on June 5 against Ireland, followed by a highly anticipated match against Pakistan on June 9. The team will also face the United States on June 12 and Canada on June 15 in the group stages.

    Led by Rohit Sharma, Team India is aiming to break their long-standing ICC trophy drought. The last major title they won was the 2013 Champions Trophy. Despite reaching the final of last year’s ODI World Cup at home, they fell short against Australia, leaving a packed stadium in Ahmedabad heartbroken. This time, they are determined to change the narrative.

    England’s Preparations and Challenges

    Meanwhile, England is entering the tournament on a high note after a series win over Pakistan. Under the leadership of Jos Buttler, England starts their campaign against Scotland on June 4, with a key match against Australia slated for June 8. England, along with India, is considered one of the favourites to win the tournament. However, as Jaffer’s witty remark suggests, predictions and schedules mean little without performance.

    The Bigger Picture: Fair Play and Competition

    The debate over whether the T20 World Cup schedule favors India touches on a broader discussion about fair play and competition in international sports. While logistical advantages can provide minor benefits, cricket’s unpredictable nature ensures that no amount of scheduling can guarantee success. Teams must perform under various conditions and pressures to earn their place in the final stages.

  • Yashasvi Jaiswal or Virat Kohli who will open for India in T20 World Cup 2024? Sunil Gavaskar Picks This Opener | Cricket News

    India’s superstar batsman, Virat Kohli, has been in the form of his life during the recently concluded Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season, scoring over 700 runs. Despite facing consistent criticism from former India opener Sunil Gavaskar regarding his strike rate, Kohli’s stellar performance has earned him praise and a potential new role in the Indian lineup. Gavaskar, previously skeptical of Kohli’s strike rate, has now endorsed him to open alongside Rohit Sharma for India, citing his recent IPL form. Notably, Gavaskar expressed doubts about left-hander Yashasvi Jaiswal’s form, suggesting he may not be the ideal candidate to partner Sharma at the top of the order for the Men in Blue.

    India’s WC T20 2024 Warm-Up Match: Different Opening Combination

    India’s warm-up game against Bangladesh hinted at a different opening combination, with Sanju Samson partnering Sharma due to Kohli’s late arrival from the United States. While Rohit Sharma clarified that the team composition is not finalized, the absence of Jaiswal from the opening slot indicates he might not be the preferred choice for the T20 World Cup 2024. Gavaskar emphasized Kohli’s exceptional form and suggested that his place as an opener alongside Sharma is justified, considering his recent performances. Regarding Jaiswal, Gavaskar noted a decline in his form compared to previous outings.

    “The kind of form Virat Kohli has been in, especially in the second half of the season, he should open with Rohit Sharma. Good players are good players, the kind of form Kohli has shown in the IPL, he has to open the batting . It’s good to talk about the left-hand, right-hand combination on television, but good players are good players no matter where they bat,” Gavaskar said in an interview after the T20 World Cup opener between USA and Canada. “Yashasvi Jaiswal hasn’t been in the sort of form we saw him in during the Test series,” the India legend said of the left-hander who will compete with Virat for the second opener’s spot.

    Despite Kohli’s absence from the warm-up game, he remains hopeful of featuring in India’s playing XI as they kick off their T20 World Cup campaign against Ireland on June 5. However, Jaiswal might have to wait for his opportunity, given the indispensability of Kohli and Sharma to the team’s top order.

    India’s World Cup campaign to begin soon

    India’s T20 World Cup journey includes matches against Ireland, Pakistan, USA, and Canada, with expectations high for Kohli’s potential role at the top alongside Sharma.

  • Shah Rukh Khan’s bold move, blank cheque offered to Gautam Gambhir amid BCCI’s pursuit for Team India’s coaching role: Report | Cricket News

    The iconic Eden Gardens erupted in jubilation as Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) clinched their third IPL title, defeating Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in a nail-biting final on Sunday. Amidst deafening roars from the packed stands, the Shah Rukh Khan-owned franchise etched their name in IPL folklore once again, adding another glorious chapter to their storied legacy.

    Also Read: Virat Kohli Extends Break After IPL 2024, Could Miss Team India’s T20 World Cup Warm-up Game

    Gambhir’s Midas Touch

    Much of KKR’s success can be attributed to the tactical genius of mentor Gautam Gambhir. The former Indian opener, who led KKR to their previous two IPL triumphs, has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the team’s ethos. His calm demeanor and astute decision-making proved invaluable throughout the tournament, culminating in a well-deserved victory.

    Rinku Singh: The Unlikely Hero

    While star performers like Venkatesh Iyer and Nitish Rana played their part, it was the unheralded Rinku Singh who truly stole the show. With KKR teetering at 89/5 in their pursuit of 174, the left-hander displayed nerves of steel, smashing an unbeaten 42 off just 28 deliveries to guide his team home.

    Cummins’ Valiant Effort in Vain

    For SRH, Pat Cummins led from the front, both with the ball and the bat. The Australian spearhead claimed three crucial wickets before contributing a blistering 33 off just 18 balls. However, his efforts ultimately fell short as KKR held their nerve in the closing stages.

    Shah Rukh’s Unbridled Passion

    As the winning runs were scored, the celebrations reached a crescendo, with Shah Rukh Khan leading the charge. The Bollywood superstar, known for his unwavering passion for the sport, was seen embracing Gambhir and the players, his joy evident for all to see. The victory not only cemented KKR’s status as one of the most successful IPL franchises but also underscored Shah Rukh’s deep commitment to the team.

    Tactical Masterclass from Gambhir

    Gautam Gambhir’s influence on KKR’s fortunes cannot be overstated. From his shrewd team selections to his calculated bowling changes, the former India opener displayed a tactical acumen that kept his side ahead of the game. His ability to inspire and motivate his players was equally vital, as evidenced by the team’s resilience in the face of adversity.

  • Rohit Sharma Was Reluctance To Include Hardik Pandya In Team India’s T20 World Cup 2024 Squad: Report | cricket news

    The Indian cricketing community has been abuzz with speculation and whispers of an internal rift, specifically between two of its leading stars: Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya. This friction surfaced dramatically when the Mumbai Indians (MI) management handed over the captaincy reins to Hardik Pandya ahead of IPL 2024, replacing the seasoned Rohit Sharma. Despite the high expectations, Hardik’s stint as MI captain has been less than stellar, culminating in the team’s early exit from playoff contention.

    Hardik’s Underwhelming Performance

    The statistical narrative of Hardik Pandya’s IPL 2024 season tells a tale of mediocrity. Across 13 matches, Hardik managed to score just 200 runs with a strike rate of 144.93. His bowling figures weren’t much better, securing 11 wickets at an economy rate of 10.59. Such lackluster performances have inevitably fueled debates regarding his selection for the upcoming T20 World Cup in the Americas.

    Selection Controversy: Pressure and Politics

    Reports from Dainik Jagran revealed that neither Rohit Sharma nor the BCCI’s chief selector Ajit Agarkar were in favor of including Hardik in the 15-man squad for the T20 World Cup. The crux of their argument was Hardik’s recent form and fitness levels, which did not justify his place in the team. However, it appears that external pressures played a significant role in his selection, with some sources hinting at top-level influences and the absence of a viable replacement as key factors.

    The Press Conference: Agarkar’s Diplomatic Response

    During a press conference following the squad announcement, Ajit Agarkar was directly questioned about Hardik’s inclusion despite his recent form. Agarkar responded diplomatically, emphasizing the lack of a like-for-like replacement in the current talent pool. This response, however, did little to quell the murmurs of discontent and speculation about underlying political pressures.

    The Bigger Picture: India’s World Cup Prospects

    India’s campaign at the T20 World Cup 2024 will see them facing stiff competition, starting with their high-voltage clash against Pakistan in New York on June 9. The squad, led by Rohit Sharma and with Hardik Pandya as vice-captain, has been under the scanner, with fans and pundits questioning whether internal team dynamics could affect on-field performance.

    Potential Impact on Team Morale

    The internal discord between Rohit and Hardik, if unresolved, could impact team morale. Videos and reports from the IPL season highlighted visible tensions within the MI camp, with players seemingly divided into factions. Such internal strife, if carried into the national team setup, could prove detrimental to India’s World Cup aspirations.

    Rohit’s Possible Retirement

    Adding another layer to this unfolding drama is the speculation surrounding Rohit Sharma’s future in T20 cricket. Reports suggest that Rohit might retire from the format post the World Cup. If true, this could signify a major transition phase for Indian cricket, with potential leadership changes on the horizon.

    Final Thoughts: Navigating Through Turbulence

    As India prepares for the T20 World Cup 2024, the focus should ideally be on strategic preparations and player form. However, the lingering issues between Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya cast a shadow over the team’s prospects. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether the team can navigate through these internal challenges and deliver on the world stage.

    India’s T20 World Cup Squad

    Main Squad: Rohit Sharma (captain), Hardik Pandya (vice-captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper), Sanju Samson (wicketkeeper), Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj.

    Reserves: Shubman Gill, Rinku Singh, Khaleel Ahmed, Avesh Khan.

  • Why Rinku Singh Was Not Picked In Team India’s Squad For T20 World Cup 2024? , cricket news

    The announcement of India’s squad for the T20 World Cup 2024 sent shockwaves through the cricketing fraternity, as one of the nation’s brightest rising stars found himself cast aside. Rinku Singh, the prodigious left-handed batsman whose exploits in the IPL 2023 etched his name into folklore, was the unfortunate casualty of cricket’s new ‘Impact Player’ rule. The Agony of Omission With an astonishing average of 89 and a blistering strike rate of 176 in 15 T20I appearances for India, Rinku’s numbers screamed for inclusion. His ability to single-handedly turn matches on their head with his power-hitting heroics had fans dreaming of World Cup glory. Yet, when the squad was unveiled, the 26-year-old’s name was conspicuously absent from the main 15, only finding a place among the traveling reserves.

    The ‘Impact Player’ Conundrum

    The root cause of Rinku’s omission can be traced back to the revolutionary ‘Impact Player’ rule introduced in the IPL 2023. This regulation allows teams to effectively field 12 players, substituting a member of the playing XI with someone from the dugout at any point during. the innings. While innovative, it proved to be Rinku’s undoing.

    For Kolkata Knight Riders, Rinku was primarily deployed as a finisher, often entering the fray in the final few overs. With the top order consuming a lion’s share of deliveries, he faced a mere 82 balls across 8 innings before selection – a paltry average of just 10 balls per game. In stark contrast, Shivam Dube, who pipped Rinku to the squad, benefited from Chennai Super Kings’ strategic use of the ‘Impact Player’ rule. Dube faced 203 balls in 9 games, amassing a staggering 26 sixes and 24 fours.

    The Dilemma of the Selectors

    According to sources within the BCCI, the selection panel found themselves in a quandary. With Hardik Pandya an automatic pick as India’s premier seam-bowling all-rounder, they could only accommodate one additional batting all-rounder in the 15. Dube’s superior game time and impressive returns made him the preferred choice over Rinku.

    “Rinku paid the price for the Impact Player Rule. He is plain and simple unlucky,” a BCCI source revealed. The selectors conceded that while Rinku’s numbers were exceptional, his lack of opportunities higher up the order ultimately cost him dear.

    A Bitter Pill to Swallow

    For Rinku, the omission is undoubtedly a bitter pill to swallow. Having fought tooth and nail to cement his place in the national side, the cruel twist of fate dealt by the ‘Impact Player’ rule has left him contemplating what could have been. His five consecutive sixes against Gujarat Titans in IPL 2023, which sealed an improbable victory for KKR, will forever be etched in cricketing lore.

    Yet, all is not lost for the Aligarh lad. Named as a traveling reserve, an injury or loss of form to any of the selected players could see him drafted into the main squad. And with the T20 World Cup scheduled for June 1st in the West Indies and USA, Rinku still has time on his side to force his way back into contention. The cruelties of professional sport often defy logic, and Rinku Singh finds himself its latest victim. But for a player of his immense talent and unwavering determination, this setback could prove to be merely a minor hurdle in what promises to be an illustrious career. The cricketing world eagerly awaits his comeback, for when Rinku Singh is at the crease, magic is never far away.

  • BCCI Makes 2 Changes In IPL 2024 Schedule; KKR Vs RR, GT Vs DC Matches Moved To New Dates | cricket news

    The BCCI has announced changes to the schedule of two Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 matches. Slated for April 17, 2024, the match between Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, will now be held a day earlier on April 16, 2024. Additionally, the match between Gujarat Titans and Delhi Capitals, initially planned for April 16, 2024, at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, will now take place on April 17, 2024.

    Also Read | Riyan Parag Reminds Me Of Suryakumar Yadav At MI, Says Shane Bond After RR Beat Mumbai In IPL 2024

    In the IPL release, there is no mention of the reason of the changes but it was earlier reported that it could be to do with the festival of Ram Navmi which falls on April 17. The festival is celebrated widely in Gujarat and West Bengal and it could be one of the reasons why BCCI made the changes as security arrangement could have been a big hassle for the cities of Kolkata and Ahmedabad.

    Check updated schedule of two matches here:

    S.No Day Date Match Venue 1 Tuesday April 16 KKR vs RR Eden Gardens, Kolkata 2 Wednesday

    April 17th

    GT vs DC Narendra Modi stadium, Ahmedabad

    The league has already seen 14 games. Mumbai Indians find themselves in a spot of bother with three losses on the go. These include 2 defeats in away matches while MI also lost one match, to Rajasthan Royals, at home. Their captain Hardik Pandya also remains a target for Mumbai fans as they gave him a hostile reception on coming back to Wankhede in Mumbai jersey. MI are currently placed right at the bottom of the points table.

    On the top of the standings are RR, who have won all three matches played so far in the tournament. Second are KKR who have all 2 they have played so far. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) played 3 and won 2 with their only defeat so far coming against Delhi Capitals (DC) at Visakhapatnam.

    Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have a lot to catch up as well. RCB have blown hot and cold in the tournament so far, winning a tight game but losing two one-sided matches, against CSK and KKR.

  • KKR Captain Shreyas Iyer Likely To Miss IPL 2024's First Phase Due To Same Back Injury Which Ruled Him Out Of 2023 Season | cricket news

    In what could be a huge blow to the hopes of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) ahead of Indian Premier League's next season (IPL 2024), captain Shreyas Iyer could miss the few initial games due to back injury. It is the same back injury because of which Iyer had missed the complee IPL 2023. Iyer recently played a knock of 95 runs in the Ranji Trophy final and a report in Times of India says that it is this knock which has led to the injury resurfacing. .

    Also Read | IPL 2024: MS Dhoni To Retire At End Of This Season? AB de Villiers Makes A Big Statement On CSK Captain's Future

    Iyer had undergone a back surgery last year before making a comeback just before the World Cup. He played four months of international cricket before complaining of the back pain again. Confusion remained over why Iyer was not picked in the last 3 Tests squad. India coach Rahul Dravid had said that Iyer had missed out on the selection while the batsman has reportedly told BCCI he had back issues and that was the reason why he did not even play a Ranji Trophy match for Mumbai.

    Medical team of National Cricket Academy, reportedly, informed BCCI that there was no issue with Iyer. BCCI dropped him from the central contracts post which Iyer was seen playing the final of the Ranji Trophy.

    Let's get started! _ pic.twitter.com/i2l0M9dP8x — KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) February 22, 2024

    A BCCI source has been quoted as saying to Times of India that Iyer's injury is not looking good and is in danger of missing the first few games of IPL.

    “It is not looking good. It is the same back injury which has got aggravated. It is unlikely that he will take the field on Day 5 of the Ranji Trophy final. He is in danger of missing the initial matches of the IPL,” said the BCCI source.

    Not to forget, during his 95-run knock for Mumbai, Iyer took medical assistance twice as he was clearly uncomfortable. He did not take the field for Mumbai on Day 4 and likely to be missing on Day 5 as well due to the same injury.

    KKR play their first match of IPL 2024 on March 23 and if Iyer does not reach full fitness in the next 8 days, he is likely to miss the team's opening game. If that happens, it will be interesting to see KKR's stance on this as if Iyer was not completely fit, then how did NCA clear him to play the Ranji final. That is the big question.

  • ‘If Hardik Pandya Does Not Want To Play Red-Ball Cricket…’, Irfan Pathan Raises Questions Over Ambiguity In BCCI Central Contracts. cricket news

    Former Indian pacer Irfan Pathan has raised pertinent questions regarding the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) decision to exclude Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer from central contracts, juxtaposing it with the treatment of players like Hardik Pandya. Pathan’s inquiry into the BCCI’s rationale centers on the disparity in standards applied to different players concerning their participation in domestic cricket, particularly the Ranji Trophy.

    Also Read | Not Just Ishan Kishan And Shreyas Iyer, THESE Players Also Not Retained In BCCI Annual Player Contracts; In Pics

    Pathan’s skepticism is evident in his statement, “If players like Hardik don’t want to play red ball cricket, should he and others like him participate in white-ball domestic cricket when they aren’t on national duty?” He emphasizes the need for consistency in assessing players’ commitments to different formats, stressing that without uniform standards, Indian cricket’s progress could be hindered.

    The exclusion of Kishan and Iyer from central contracts marks a pivotal moment, signaling the BCCI’s stance against players prioritizing white-ball cricket and lucrative IPL contracts over first-class cricket. Pathan’s belief in the talents of Kishan and Iyer shines through as he expresses hope for their resurgence, stating, “They are talented cricketers, both Shreyas and Ishan. Hoping they bounce back and come back stronger.”

    They are talented cricketers, both Shreyas and Ishan. Hoping they bounce back and come back stronger. If players like Hardik don’t want to play red ball cricket, should he and others like him participate in white-ball domestic cricket when they aren’t on national duty? If this_

    — Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) February 29, 2024

    In solidarity with the embattled duo, former India coach Ravi Shastri lends his support, underscoring the essence of comebacks in cricket. Shastri’s message to Iyer and Kishan resonates with encouragement and belief in their ability to overcome this setback. “In the game of cricket, comebacks define the spirit. Chin-up, @ShreyasIyer15 and @ishankishan51! Dig deep, face challenges, and come back even stronger. Your past achievements speak volumes, and I have no doubt you’ll conquer once. again,” Shastri stated, offering words of inspiration.

    The discourse surrounding the exclusion of Kishan and Iyer from central contracts underscores broader themes within Indian cricket, including the balance between white-ball and red-ball cricket, the significance of domestic competitions like the Ranji Trophy, and the development of young talents within the Indian cricketing landscape.

  • ‘She is very close to me’: After Shah visit to his home, Sourav talks of his relation with Mamata

    By PTI

    KOLKATA: A day after Union Home Minister Amit Shah paid a visit to his residence and had dinner with his family, which grabbed attention, BCCI president Sourav Ganguly Saturday spoke of his close relation with Chief Minister, who is known to be a strident critic of the BJP.

    Ganguly, former Indian cricket team captain, also showered praise on minister and city mayor Firhad Hakim describing him as a person who can be approached by anyone at any time of the day.

    “Our honourable Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is a person very close to me. I had approached her to help up this institute,” he said at the inauguration programme of a private hospital here.

    The former southpaw said, “I am also very close to Firhad Hakim. He has been seeing me since I was in Class 1. He has been our family friend. All who approach him get help. I too have called him several times,” Ganguly said.

    Shah’s visit to Ganguly’s residence on Friday had fuelled speculation that the former cricketer would join politics soon.

    The dinner was reported to be a close family affair where besides Ganguly and his wife danseuse Dona Ganguly, the cricketer’s elder brother Snehasish Ganguly and other family members were hosts.

    Shah was accompanied by BJP idealogue, Swapan Dasgupta, the party’s state president Sukanta Majumdar and the Leader of Opposition in West Bengal assembly, Suvendu Adhikari.

    Aware of the conjectures, Ganguly had said on Friday, “Many speculations are rife, but I have known him (Shah) since 2008. While playing, I used to meet him. There’s nothing more than that”.

    He had also pointed out he had worked with Shah’s son, Jay Amitbhai Shah, in the Board of Control for Cricket in India.

    Jay Shah is the BCCI secretary.

    Dona Ganguly had said there was no discussion on politics during Shah’s visit to the Ganguly residence.

    “It is human to speculate. But if there is any news, everyone will know.”

    She had also said, “I don’t know whether Sourav will enter politics or not. But he will do well if he joins politics. I believe he will do good work for the people”.

    Ganguly had visited the state secretariat on April 28 and met Banerjee regarding allocation of land to the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB), of which he is the president, to build a stadium.

    Political analyst Biswajit Chakraborty described Ganguly as a “businessman” who is trying to maintain good terms with the central and state governments so that his business runs smoothly.

    “Ganguly is doing this for his own benefit. He knows that he has to keep both the Centre and Mamata Banerjee happy so that his business keeps running. He has been balancing quite nicely,” Chakraborty told PTI.

    Another analyst called Ganguly a “perfect gentleman” who was doing a “balancing act”.

    “Ganguly is an immensely intelligent man. I guess Shah had come to his residence yesterday to evaluate how much Ganguly is ready to plunge into politics. And today, he (Ganguly) spoke about his closeness to the CM. Though I do not see any significance in it, I think he is doing it because he has to survive both nationally as well as in the state,” he added.

  • World’s ‘third-largest’ cricket stadium coming up in Jaipur

    By PTI

    JAIPUR: The world’s third-largest cricket stadium is going to be built in Jaipur, and Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and BCCI president Sourav Ganguly on Saturday laid the foundation stone of the project virtually.

    BCCI secretary Jay Shah also joined the event virtually. Before the foundation stone laying ceremony, Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA) officials performed a ‘bhoomi pujan’. This stadium is being built on the Jaipur-Delhi bypass, as per an official statement.

    RCA president Vaibhav Gehlot said a target has been set to complete the construction in three years. It will be the second-largest cricket stadium in India and the third-largest in the world, he said, adding that it would seat 75,000 spectators.

    “Today is a golden day for Rajasthan cricket. Former RCA president C P Joshi dreamt of the association having its own stadium in Jaipur. The atmosphere of professional cricket is being created in Rajasthan,” Chief Minister Gehlot said.

    A stadium each will be built in Jodhpur and Udaipur as well, the statement said. Seven out of the 10 big stadiums in the world are in India, and this new stadium of Rajasthan will be in the third place, it added.

    BCCI president Ganguly said that a lot of resources have been developed in the last 10 years. “Today, BCCI is the leading cricket board in the world. Even if we talk about junior cricket or Ranji, the Sawai Man Singh stadium here is the best, but now it is a matter of happiness that we are building the third-largest stadium in the world,” he added.