Cuttack: Orissa Cricket Association (OCA) has assured that the second ODI between India and England at the Barabati Stadium here will be played as per schedule. OCA quashed Monday ‘rumours’ being spread by a section of the sacked BCCI officials, that the match will be abandoned by the state association at the last moment.
“Though all the OCA officials have resigned, yet they are pretty eager to smoothly conduct the game. They are working very hard to see to it that nothing untoward happens. So the match is definitely on,” stated former OCA secretary Asirbad Behera.
“Even though OCA still has not sent any letter to BCCI about the resignation of the office-bearers, it will do so in the near future. But it will not affect the match in any way. We are fully prepared for the game,” stated OCA CEO Bidyut Kumar Nayak.
Meanwhile a team of BCCI officials including BCCI general manager MV Sridhar and anti-corruption unit (ACU) member Niraj Kumar visited the Barabati Stadium, Monday and inspected the arrangements and facilities. The two BCCI officials also discussed about other match-related issues with the managing committee members.
Pitch curator Pankaj Patnaik promised a sporting wicket for the match. “Preparations are in full swing. The ground and the pitch will be ready in a few days. It will be a typical ODI wicket. We have also taken measures to keep the outfield dry in case of heavy dew,” Pankaj informed.
PNN
