NE SPORTS BUREAU
CHENNAI, FEB 8
The Madras Cricket Club has commenced the work on demolition of gymnasium to pave way for opening the sealed stands – I, J and K – at the M.A. Chidambaram stadium in Chennai on Saturday.
The three stands were sealed after the 2011 World Cup owing to various issues, depriving the city the opportunity to host matches at various events, including the World T20 in 2016 and the IPL final in 2019.
An exception was made when the stands were opened for an India-Pakistan ODI back in 2012.
The demolition work is expected to be completed in 4-5 days. Immediately after the demolition, the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) will seek permission from the Chennai Corporation and the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) to get clearance for these 3 stands, MCC sources said.
The club will be building a new gymnasium, adding that arrangement for an alternate gym for members has already been made.
A decision to demolish the gym was taken during a general body meeting of MCC recently.
TNCA sources said work has begun for demolition of the gymnasium and once it is done, the Corporation and CMDA will be approached for reopening the stands.
The three stands (I, J and K) will be opened for the forthcoming IPL, the sources added.
