I did it for Kolkata’s fans: Manohar

BCCI chief Shashank Manohar tells Mid Day why he went out of his way to request ICC to reconsider their decision of ruling out Eden Gardens as a World Cup venue

I did it for Kolkata's fans: Manohar

BCCI chief Shashank Manohar tells Mid Day why he went out of his way to request ICC to reconsider their decision of ruling out Eden Gardens as a World Cup venue

Board of Control for Cricket in India president Shashank Manohar has said that he is putting his best effort to ensure Eden Gardens is not deprived of hosting the February 27 India vs England World Cup cricket game.

Back inu00a02002: England captain Nasser Hussain obliges a cop with an
autograph at Eden Gardens. Pic/ Getty Images

The International Cricket Council on Thursday ruled out Eden Gardens as a venue because renovation work has yet to be completed at the famous ground. Later in the evening, Manohar dashed off an e-mail to the ICC to reconsider their decision.

"I don't want the people of Kolkata to be deprived of cricket action. I have respect for the cricket-lovingu00a0 people out there and I am trying my best to ensure Eden Gardens hosts the India-England match on February 27," Manohar told MiD DAY yesterday from Nagpur.

When asked whether there was politics involved in the decision to scratch off Eden Gardens as the host of the important match, Manohar exclaimed: "I don't know about the politics bit. I am not bothered aboutu00a0 CAB (Cricket Association of Bengal) politics. I just know that Eden Gardens should not humiliated.

That's why I took the extreme step (of writing to ICC). Now, it's up to CAB and ICC." MiD DAY reported on Friday that Manohar assured the ICC that renovation work will be completed by February 7 ufffd a good 20 days before the match.

"Yes, I told Pawar and Lorgat to give them (CAB) time. After that, if CAB still don't qualify, then take your decision. But, you must give them time till February 7." The BCCI president was irritated when asked whether he going out of his way to help Eden Gardens qualify as a World Cup venue had anything to do with the power struggle within the BCCI. "This is not the time for Shashank Manohar and Jagmohan Dalmiya. This is not the time for politics.

"This is a prestige issue concerning our country and Kolkata. We have to sort out this problem jointly. I am ready to do anything for Eden's match," said Manohar. Meanwhile, the disaster management committee formed by the CAB has instructed a construction company to complete all pending work by January 31 or latest by February 5.

"All work should be completed by February 5. We are hopeful that we can host the match on February 27," said CAB Joint Secretary
Biswarup Dey.