Jamshedpur, Dec. 13: Keenan Stadium, which was known as the mecca of Bihar cricket is all set to get a new look. After the JRD Tata Sports Complex was renovated as per FIFA norms, the people of Jamshedpur will soon get to see the historic Keenan Stadium hosting international cricket and IPL matches.
Sunil Bhaskaran, vice president, corporate services, Tata Steel, talking to the media on the sidelines of the Tata Open Golf press conference at Golmuri Club on Tuesday evening, said, within a year or two Jamshedpur will host Indian Premier League (IPL) matches like ongoing Indian Super League (ISL).
�We have been holding talks with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and Jharkhand State Cricket Association (JSCA) and it will take a little time when the renovation work at Keenan starts, but it will be done sure-shot�, said, Bhaskaran, adding, � the proposal has been sent to BCCI and JSCA. The state association wants the Keenan Stadium on long-term lease and we are pondering over the matter�.
Keenan Stadium has to be extended towards the Modi Park for which blue print is being prepared.
Bhaskaran further said that once the Lodha committee recommendations are implemented fully in BCCI, the renovation work would start at the Keenan Stadium.
It may be noted that Tata Steel officials held a meeting with then Jharkhand State Cricket Association (JSCA) secretary Rajesh Verma in June last year for return of international cricket at the Keenan Stadium which last hosted the international cricket match (ODI) between India-England in the year 2006 and since then the ground has been only limited to Ranji trophy and other domestic matches.
Talking about Jamshedpur Football Club (JFC), Bhaskaran seemed excited with the crowd turnout in both the home matches. �JFC has been doing well and the way the people of the city are supporting the team is matter of discussion in the whole of the country. He thanked the fans and urged them to enjoy every ISL match in Jamshedpur which has become the best family outing.