ICC happy with Lanka’s stadium progress

International Cricket Council (ICC) Curator Andy Atkinson and ICC World Cup 2011 Coordinator Dhiraj Malhotra, who visited Sri Lanka last week for an inspection tour of the Suriyaweva International Stadium at Hambantota and the Kettarama Stadium, Colombo, expressed optimism that the local venues would be ready to host World Cup games next year.
“We visited Hambantota to look at the ground there,” Atkinson who along with Malhotra said addressing reporters at a press conference held at SLC headquarters yesterday morning.
“From my perspective the progress of the playing surface is satisfactory, and with just over a year to go for the World Cup, as long as this current rate of progress continues, there is no doubt in my mind, this ground could be up and running and be in line to be tested ahead of the 2011 World Cup.”
Turning his attention to the state of the pitch at the Kettarama Stadium, Atkinson noted that the work at the country’s largest international cricketing venue had been delayed, but nonetheless the officials had made significant progress.
“As long as that progress is maintained at the current phase, I am happy that everything will be on course and scheduled to host whatever games Sri Lanka Cricket is planning to stage there.”
Atkinson who is looking into the preparation of venues on the three ICC World Cup co-hosts India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh - in his capacity as the sport’s world controlling body’s Curator - also stressed that he would be back in the country following the ICC T20 World Cup in the West Indies in May for his penultimate inspection.
He is expected to be in Sri Lanka for his final inspection of World Cup grounds in before October 31 2010.
The ICC Curator also added with six to seven months before the commencement of the game’s showpiece tournament in the sub-continent, the three venues in Sri Lanka could be tested fully and if any shortcomings are visible the remaining time could be used to iron them out.
Dhiraj Malhotra ICC 2011 World Cup Coordinator also agreed with the sentiments expressed by his colleague and stated that he too does not see any issues with either the preparation of pitches or the facilities available at the three World Cup venues in Sri Lanka.
He said that the duo did not deem it necessary to visit Pallekele Stadium as the work at the venue was almost complete with domestic first class matches being played there already.
Malhotra though was confident both the Sooriyaweva International Stadium at Hambantota and the Kettarama Stadium in Colombo too would be able to catch up with the Pallekele Stadium with regard to preparations and facilities before their next visit in May this year.
Meanwhile, Chairman of SLC D S de Silva who was also present at the press conference in an upbeat mood declared that at least one of the two Tests against the West Indies during the latter part of this year will be staged at the newly constructed Sooriyaweva International Stadium. (JK)