KCA finally decides to host India-Windies game in Thiruvananthapuram instead of Kochi

The Kochi turf was last approved by the FIFA and has also been considered as a top-class turf for the football game. The fans claimed that the turf can be damaged because of the cricket match and consequently, influential people like Shashi Tharoor and Sachin Tendulkar also objected the move.

However, everyone can now breathe a sigh of relief as the Kerala Cricket Association decided not to dig the turf and will host the match in Thiruvananthapuram. The decision came after the KCA officials had a discussion with the state sports minister AC Moideen on Thursday and after the discussion, the officials agreed on the decision to avoid any controversies.

According to the TOI report, the KCA also requested the minister to allot them a land in Kochi so that they can construct their own cricket stadium. The KCA officials claimed that the meeting was positive and the minister told them he will take the initiative in the issue and will work in providing land to them.

"We have agreed to the request from sports minister and in principle agreed to have Windies ODI in Thiruvananthapuram. The decision has to be ratified at the AGM of KCA on Saturday," said Jayesh George, KCA secretary as quoted by TOI.

Sachin Tendulkar also raised his voice against KCA’s decision of giving the ODI match to Kochi ground which is the home ground of the Kerala Blasters FC which is co-owned by the legendary Indian cricketer. Jayesh took a dig at Tendulkar’s suggestion to have football matches staged in Kochi and cricket matches in Thiruvananthapuram.

"We had no plans to dig up the entire ground at JNI stadium in Kochi. We only wanted to put a pitch on the ground for which only some altercation was required on the turf. I don't think Sachin has an expertise on the construction of a pitch nor have I. He probably suggested it because he is the co-owner of Kerala Blasters Football Club," Jayesh said.