| MUMBAI:
The Essel Group's Indian Cricket League (ICL) has signed an agreement with Ahmedabad
Municipal Corporation (AMC) for the Navrangpura Sardar Patel Stadium.
As per this agreement,
ICL will spend Rs 100 million in upgradation of the stadium which will include
Rs 30-40 million worth of floodlights apart from developing the outfield, pitch,
dressing room, stands and common areas.
During the tenure of the contract, ICL plans to revamp the stadium completely
to give Ahmedabad its first ever world class stadium with international level
playing facility and infrastructure. The
Navrangpura AMC ground has seen some historical matches being played during Ian
Botham’s captaincy and now ICL promises to make it the epicenter of cricket
in Gujarat. ICL’s mega plan is to make numerous youth academies across India
and the first step in every state is to build robust, international level infrastructure. ICL
Executive Board chairman Kapil Dev says, “I have broken the world record
surpassing Sir Richard Hardley in Ahmedabad. I believe that many more records
will be created for generations to cherish and be proud of. Gujarat has always
bestowed its revered support on me as a player and I would like to reciprocate
the love & affection by bringing a vibrant sporting product- the Indian Cricket
League (ICL) which will be an enriching experience for the fans of Gujarat .”
The
forthcoming ICL 20-20 Championship will kick start a decade of international quality
cricket being played in Ahmedabad at the AMC ground. ICL has given Gujarat its
first own home team called Ahmedabad Rockets. A team comprising young players
from Gujarat and overseas superstars, have undergone training recently in Bangalore.
Speed, accuracy and endurance are the new mantras given by ICL to the cricket
in India through specialist coaches. The
new ICL season begins on 10 October, 2008. Thirty four matches with a best of
three finals will be played at four grounds across the country. | 
