CDA to involve PCB in revamping five grounds for first-class cricket

ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has decided to involve Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for revamping cricket grounds in federal capital. For five cricket grounds, including Shalimar, Diamond, National, Banigala, F-9 and Bhutto Cricket Ground, CDA will acquire the services of PCB for the preparation of pitches, provision of other facilities, and care of grounds. The PCB will use these grounds for first-class cricket matches and for its other professional tournaments. Other than PCB events, the CDA said grounds will be available for local players. When contacted, Member Environment Abdullah Khurram Niazi said: “The grounds in question will remain part of CDA, PCB will repair, prepare pitches and will take care of these grounds and in return they will use them for PCB matches like first-class matches and grade II events. For the rest of the year, the grounds will be available for local players,” he said, adding that no individual will be allowed to charge a fee from CDA’s grounds and academies. Civic agency retains control of grounds with PCB to only manage, prepare pitches for access to first-class, grade II events, says official “We have a complete plan for revamping cricket grounds and cricket academies in Islamabad,” he said, adding that CDA will get input from a couple of former test cricketers as well. The member environment said the civic agency would also set up cricket academies for age-group cricketers, and the same would be outsourced through a competitive process with a fee cap to avoid exploitation. However, he said a dedicated academy for women’s cricket and children would be run by CDA itself. “Money-making from sports facilities is not our purpose; we want to provide maximum chances to youth to play cricket and other sports. We will take steps to ensure free grounds for club cricketers,” he said. However, he added that the CDA will charge corporate sectors for using these facilities, and “we will ensure transparency in this process too t