Motera unlikely to host India-South Africa Test
The Gujarat Cricket Association (GCA) will write to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) citing their inability to host the first Test between India and South Africa because the stadium at Motera is to undergo renovation shortly.
The South African team is scheduled to play four Tests and five ODIs during the October-November tour. The other venues for the Tests are Delhi, Nagpur and Bangalore.
“We will be writing a letter to BCCI stating why we can’t host the India versus South Africa Test match in Ahmedabad. Our stadium in Motera will undergo renovation and it will take another two years for it to be completed,” GCA secretary Rajesh Patel said.
If Ahmedabad pulls out, Mohali is likely to host the first Test — a right according to the rotation policy currently in place. With the Motera stadium unavailable for the next 24 months, the GCA will host its domestic matches at a ground in the heart of the city.
“We have a ground in the heart of the city and will be approaching the BCCI for approval required to host Ranji Trophy games. We have the option of Surat and Valsad too for Ranji Trophy games,” Patel added
RP set for Gujarat move
Former India medium-pacer Rudra Pratap Singh, is all set to play for Gujarat this season. GCA had approached RP Singh a few weeks ago and talks between the cricketer and the association are in the final stages. The UP pacer has been troubled with injuries in the recent past. “RP is an experienced bowler, we needed someone like him to help our young pacers develop. He has played for India and we all know what he will bring to the table. We considered other seamers too but we all felt RP is the right candidate,”
RP has played 14 Tests and 58 ODIs and has taken 266 first-class wickets.
