DDCA officially rename Feroz Shah Kotla as Arun Jaitley stadium

09/13/2019

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The Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) on Thursday officially renamed the Feroz Shah Kotla stadium as Arun Jaitley stadium in honour and memory of the late former BCCI vice-president. DDCA also unveiled a new pavilion stand in the stadium in the name of India's skipper Virat Kohli.

Days after the unfortunate demise of Mr. Arun Jaitley, the DDCA had informed that they would be renaming the Feroz Shah Kotla as a tribute to the late minister. On Thursday, the DDCA officially renamed the stadium as "Arun Jaitley Stadium" in presence of the family members of the late Mr. Jaitley. The proceedings were carried forward by Home Minister Amit Shah, who also paid respects to the former BCCI vice-president Jaitley.

Meanwhile, DDCA also unveiled a new pavilion stadium named after Indian skipper Virat Kohli, who arguably is now the most successful player from Delhi to have represented the nation. A short montage of Kohli's journey from a U19 player to becoming the Indian captain was also shown.

"When I decided to name a stand in honour of Virat Kohli, I told this first to Arun Jaitleyji. He told me this is a good decision because there is no better player than Virat in world cricket," said DDCA president Rajat Sharma, reported Times of India.

"For Arun ji, cricket was his passion and life. He remained DDCA chief for 13 years and he played a great role in making the likes of Virat, Pant, Dhawan, Nehra, Sehwag as great players. All these players love him very much," Sharma added.

Former Indian skipper Kapil Dev also had some heartfelt words for Mr. Jaitley, after who the stadium has been renamed after now.

"Wonderful to have a stand in name of Virat. And whatever DDCA does for Arun Jaitley is not enough given his contribution," said Dev.