Manipal may lose KPL matches

The Hindu / Medea source

Manipal, 20 September 2010: R. Sudhakar Rao, assistant secretary of the Karnataka State Cricket Association and former State Ranji team captain, said on Saturday that the chances of conducting Karnataka Premier League matches at the End Point ground here were remote because of rain.

 

Speaking to presspersons after inspecting the ground here, Mr. Rao said that the six matches of the KPL scheduled from September 22 to 24 could have been held, if it had not rained. The cricket pitch on the ground was wet. Even if it dried up, the outfield might still remain wet. He said that he would submit a report on the condition of the ground to the KSCA, which would take a final decision on the matter.

 

 

Describing the ground as good for cricket, he said the under-19, under-22 and zonal cricket matches could be held here. The End Point ground could be considered for conducting Ranji matches in the next one or two years, he said.

 

Besides a good ground, connectivity in the form of an airport and a railway station and basic facilities such as good hotels were essential for conducting Ranji matches. Manipal was well connected and had good facilities, Mr. Rao said.

 

Convener of the Mangalore Zone of KSCA Manohar Amin and sports secretary of Manipal University Rajesh Bhakta were present.