MA Chidambaram stadium is located in Chennai and it is also known as Chepauk stadium. Established in 1916, the stadium has hosted plenty of Tests, ODIs, T20Is and also IPL matches involving the local IPL side, Chennai Super Kings and the final as well. The stadium which is controlled by the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association is also the oldest cricket stadium in the country that is currently used on a consistent basis. It has a capacity of 50,000 seats but only 38,000 seats are being used.
The three stands of the stadium remains empty where it has a maximum capacity of 12,000 and each of the three stands, I, J and K have a capacity of 4,000 seats apiece. These three stands have not been used since November 2011.
Reason for the empty stands
The three stands in Chepauk have been under legal issues since their construction. The High Court in Madras put a stay on the use of those stands as TNCA altered with the assessment report for those stands. In fact, a criminal case was also issued against TNCA by the High Court in 2013. Late last year, the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association got possession of the ground as it had entered into a new lease agreement for 21 years with the state government.
Subsequently, the Madras Cricket Club agreed to demolish its gym to create the required space, but it didn’t work out as the ground’s lease to TNCA and MCC had ended in 2015. Late last year, the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association got possession of the ground as it had entered into a new lease agreement for 21 years with the state government.
Chepauk Stadium
A decision to demolish the gym was taken during a general body meeting of MCC recently. TNCA sources said work has begun for demolition of the gymnasium and once it is done, the Corporation and CMDA will be approached for reopening the stands. The three stands (I, J and K) will be opened for the forthcoming IPL, the sources added.
“After the demolition is completed, the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) will seek permission of the Chennai Corporation and the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) for clearance for the three stands”, he added.
He also said that “the club will be building a new gymnasium, adding that arrangements for an alternate gym for members has already been made”.
The last time Chepauk had a full house audience before the stands were shut was when Pakistan visited India in December 2012 for an ODI series.
SanjayManjrekar removed from BCCI commentary panel
Sanjay Manjrekar was part of the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) commentary panel for many major ICC events ever since he took up the commentary gig post his retirement in 1996. While Manjrekar is one of the most experienced commentators in the world, the former Mumbai captain has been involved in quite a few controversies over the years. Meanwhile, apart from a statement, no particular reason has been released by any official stating as to why Sanjay Manjrekar was dropped. He has covered World Cups and many other ICC tournaments and is a mainstay in the commentary teams covering multi-nation cricket tournaments.
During the first washed-out ‘Ind vs SA’ ODI affair in Dharamsala, Sanjay Manjrekar was not present at the venue while the other commentators from BCCI’s panel like Sunil Gavaskar and Murali Kartik were present. The Indian cricket community is currently dealing with the outbreak of coronavirus, as the pandemic has resulted in the cancellation second and third matches in the series, which were to be held in Lucknow and Kolkata.
Sanjay manjrekar
But, as per Mumbai Mirror’s report, he has been left out of the BCCI commentary team and will not be a part of the commentary team for the upcoming Indian Premier League, as and when it starts. “Maybe he will be left out from the IPL panel too. At this stage, it is not on top of our mind. But the fact is, they are not happy with his work,” a source was quoted saying in the report.
Manjrekar in recent months has been in the middle of a couple storms after he first called Ravindra Jadeja a bits and pieces cricketer during the 2019 ICC World Cup and then a few months later questioned the credentials of Harsha Bhogle during the historic Pink-ball Test against Bangladesh in Kolkata.
In other news, a massive statement was released by BCCI on Friday, March 13 stating the launch date of the upcoming IPL 2020 has been pushed to April 15. The BCCI’s decision comes as a precautionary measure against the Coronavirus. While the IPL 2020 has been postponed, other bilateral ODI series like ‘Ind vs SA’ and ‘Aus vs NZ’ have been entirely called off after their respective first matches.
Due to the unexpected out break of coronavirus many sports event collapsed globally. Even the cash rich Indian Premier League has been postponed after a lot of controversy. Previously IPL franchise agreed to play the match behind the closed door with a condition. As per new visa restriction issued by Indian Government on behalf of the Corona issue, participation of the foreign players remains doubtful till April 15.
The IPL franchise request BCCI to have a conversation with the particular Government department regards visa issue. Corona out break even restrict Australia women’s tour of South Africa after the winning the T20 trophy. The on going South Africa tour of India match has been cancelled where the first ODI abandoned due to rain.
BCCI president Sourav Ganguly on Friday said that the board came to the decision of postponing this year’s IPL as safety is their first priority in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. As things stand, IPL 2020 will kick-off on April 15, but the new schedule of matches remains unknown.
🚨Announcement🚨: #VIVOIPL suspended till 15th April 2020 as a precautionary measure against the ongoing Novel Corona Virus (COVID-19) situation.
“Let’s stick to the postponement (at the moment). First priority is safety, so we postponed the games. We will see what happens. It is too early to answer. Nobody has a choice,” Ganguly told PTI.
So far, India has recorded more than 80 positive cases so far (seven recovering) with the global infected count standing at over 1,30,000. The death toll because of the virus has gone beyond 5,000 internationally, two of them being confirmed cases from India.
The ace former batsman Brain Charles Lara gave his view on possible T20 world cup winner. T20 world cup 2020 is scheduled later this year in Australia. The 50-year-old is currently in India to lead the West Indies Legends in the Road Safety World Series though his team has lost both the games they have played so far.
Lara in Road Safety World Series
Lara himself has not been able to score big in the two matches he has played in the veterans’ tournament in India. He made 17 from 15 in the game against Sachin Tendulkar’s India Legends where the West Indies Legends lost by seven wickets. He managed only four from eight deliveries in the second game against Jonty Rhodes’ South Africa Legends. The West Indies Legends have two matches left now, against Australia and Sri Lanka.
Lara took time to speak to ESPNCricinfo in between where he spoke on several issues related to the game. When he was asked to pick the favorites for this year’s T20 World Cup to be held in Australia, the former left-handed batsman came up with three choices. He states that India could be his first choice of possible winner as they are in perfect form in 20 over series. The wash out series winning over New Zealand by India in their home ground proves their glorious form he added.
Regarding his second possible winner he mentioned the mighty Australia lead by Finch. He also added Australia will be tough to beat at home. Last but not least he never forget to mention the current T20I champions West Indies (the only team to win the title twice). He also mentioned their inconsistency could be their draw back in the upcoming T20I world cup.
“I think India is going to be a force to reckon with. Australia at home… it’s not going to be an easy World Cup for anyone. Australia is going to be worried about India and the West Indies, West Indies are going to be worried about everybody because of their inconsistency sometimes. So it’s going to be a great World Cup to look at,” Lara told ESPNCricinfo.
The out break of corona collapsed many sports event across the world. The ongoing South Africa tour of India has been cancelled where first ODI abandoned due to rain. The remaining matches are expected to play behind the door without any viewers in the stadium as imposed for Road Safety World Series.
But the officials confirmed that the match between South Africa and India has been called off. As the spread of corona is in its peak the officials decide to cancel the remaining matches.
CONFIRMED: The #INDvSA ODI series has been suspended in the wake of a growing number of coronavirus cases. pic.twitter.com/3qE3CnHG24
BCCI has finally postponed the start of the IPL that was scheduled to start on March 29, reported the news agency PTI. The tournament will now start on April 15. The news has come in just hours after the Delhi state government had ruled out the permissions to hold IPL matches in Delhi. The media reports have suggested that the franchises have been informed of the development. The postponed date for the start of the IPL is critical as the orders to suspend visa by the government will end on April 15. BCCI is likely to announce the official development very soon.
IPL postponed to April 15
Women’s tour cancelled
Australian women’s tour of South Africa has been called-off due to the outbreak of corona. After the successful victory over India in the finals of the T20 world cup, Aussies women set to play three ODIs and three T20s in South Africa between March 22 and April 4. As WHO announced corona as ‘pandemic’ the world sports scheduled collapsed. In order to prevent the spread and to guard the players from the infection many events have been called off.
Kane Williamson | New Zealand captain : ‘We would have batted as well. Not a lot of grass on it. It was a good series against India, but this is a new series and we need to adapt to the conditions pretty early. We are going in with two seamers and two spinners.’
Aaron Finch | Australia captain : ‘We will bat first. Looks like a nice wicket, a bit on a dry side, we will need to put the runs on the board. We weren’t consistent enough in the series in South Africa. It’s an unusual feeling, to be playing in front of no one.’
Squad
New Zealand (Playing XI): Martin Guptill, Henry Nicholls, Kane Williamson(c), Ross Taylor, Tom Latham(w), James Neesham, Colin de Grandhomme, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Lockie Ferguson, Trent Boult
Australia (Playing XI): David Warner, Aaron Finch(c), Steven Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, D Arcy Short, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey(w), Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood
Australia vs New Zealand
Australia batting
Hosts massive opening partnership
After a series whitewash to South Africa, Aussies in concern to win the series scheduled at their home ground. Warner and Finch gets in the crease, Warner is on strike. Boult opens the attack against Australia. Warner who is in red hot form starts to strike aggressively and starts gathering runs with Finch. This duo paired and laid the expected partnership, after the power play Australia scored 51 runs without a wicket loss.
Openers half century
Aussies openers strikes without any fear towards Kiwi bowlers. Warner reached his half century from 69 balls. He left unknown about his fifty as there’s no one in stadium to cheer up then Finch approached him to congrats. At the end of 20 overs Australia scored 107 runs without a wicket loss. Finch too scored his fifty and registered his personal 26th fifty. That’s a 100 runs stand from the Aussies openers,they laid a strong base for the Aussies to score further.
David Warner scored his 21st fifty
Santner quick spell
After a long struggle Ferguson dismissed Warner when he scored 67 runs from 88 balls. At the end of that over Aussies scored 127 runs for a wicket loss. Steven Smith joins hand with Finch, this partnership didn’t last longer as expected. Finch lost his wicket to Santner when he scored 60 runs from 75 balls. Smith too lose his wicket to Santner in his next over and returned pavilion.
Two new batsmen Marnus Labuschagne and D Arcy Short gets into ground while Aussies scored 146 runs. D Arcy Short tried his best to add some score but failed to Ish Sodhi and return pavilion for 5 runs.
Mitchell Marsh then joins hand with Labuschagne and tries to drag Aussies to score better. This duo added 59 runs in total to the score where Labuschagne made his second half century. Ish Sodhi in his 7th over dismissed Mitchell Marsh(27) and Carey(1) where Aussies scored 226 runs for 6 wicket loss. Finally Pat Cummins 14 runs off 11 balls dragged Aussies to score 258 runs. Ish Sodhi took three wicket where Mitchell Santner and Lockie Ferguson picked two weicket for each.
Marnus Labuschagne scored his 2nd ODI fifty
New Zealand Batting
Struggled visitors
After a successful aggressive whitewash on India in ODI as well as Test series, Kiwi’s stand against Aussies. In order to chase a target of 258 runs, Guptill and Henry Nicholls gets in crease, Guptill is on strike. Starc opens the attack against Kiwi. The visitors struggled to score runs that costs Kiwis to lose their opener Henry Nicholls for 10 runs at the last over of the power play. Where Kiwis just scored 28 runs for a wicket loss after the power play.
Kiwis star players failed to show up
Kiwis skipper Kane Williamson gets in ground and joins hand with Guptill. New Zealand scored their 50 run at the 17th over. But soon Zampa with his googly dismissed Williamson for 19 runs. Ross Taylor, the man who showed his glorious form against India came into ground. New Zealand is in pressure to build a perfect partnership for their victory in the first match of the series.
But in the very next over Mitchell Marsh scatters Kiwis dream of victory by uprooting their dangerous player Taylor for just 4 runs. The long fought Guptill sent back to pavilion by Cummins when he reached 40 runs.
At the end of 25th over Neesham too lost his wicket to Cummins when he scored 8 runs. Kiwis starts to collapse after their skippers wicket and failed to add runs. At this stage Kiwis scored 96 runs for half a wicket loss in total. Latham and de Grandhomme paired and scored 51 runs stand partnership. Aussies in need to break this partnership and Hazlewood did as expected by dismissing Latham for 38 runs.
Kiwis lost their wicket in a regular interval and failed to pair a partnership and lost all their wickets for 187 runs. Finally Australia won by 71 runs and register their first win in the series.
Mitchell Marsh | Australia : Pleased to get the win at the start of the series. We were disappointed to lose 0-3 to South Africa. We were pumped to get out here and win today. It was not a 300 wicket. The opening partnership set us up beautifully.
Captain’s view
Aaron Finch: It was a crucial toss to win on a dry surface. We bowled well in the powerplay and restricted New Zealand. We both had to adjust to the slowness of the wicket. You had to pick your moments on this wicket.
Kane Williamson: It was a tough wicket. They had an above-par score. That opening partnership gave them a very competitive total. Australia were too good today, tough outing for us. We had to be a bit more tight with our lines and extend partnerships with the bat. The spinners did well and slowed things down in the middle overs.
Due to the outbreak of corona the cash rich IPL has been postponed after a lot of controversy. BCCI has finally postponed the start of the IPL that was scheduled to start on March 29, reported the news agency PTI. The tournament will now start on April 15. The news has come in just hours after the Delhi state government had ruled out the permissions to hold IPL matches in Delhi. The media reports have suggested that the franchises have been informed of the development. The postponed date for the start of the IPL is critical as the orders to suspend visa by the government will end on April 15. BCCI is likely to announce the official development very soon.
Though the IPL franchise agreed to play the matches behind the closed door they request the government to permit the foreign players as the Indian Government imposed fresh visa restriction. Karnataka Government already denied to host the IPL matches in order to avoid the corona spread.
The postponement of the tournament was in thick of things since the time Maharashtra’s Health Minister Rajesh Tope had said that the state government was in discussion with the BCCI to postpone the annual cricket tournament that features cricketing stars from across the world.
Before the BCCI meeting the officials announced that the match will be played mid of the April instead of March 29. However, neither Sourav Ganguly nor the BCCI has confirmed about the meeting of the council or with franchisees.
Australia women's tour of SA called off due to corona
Australian women’s tour of South Africa has been called-off due to the outbreak of corona. After the successful victory over India in the finals of the T20 world cup, Aussies women set to play three ODIs and three T20s in South Africa between March 22 and April 4. As WHO announced corona as ‘pandemic’ the world sports scheduled collapsed. In order to prevent the spread and to guard the players from the infection many events have been called off.
Australia women’s tour of SA called off due to corona
In order to avoid the spread of corona virus the scheduled cricket matches are more likely to called-off. The decision are taken on behalf of the players as well as the crew members well fare.
But it seems the decision will not be the players’ to make on their own. “For the players it’s not a big issue at all,” Jacques Faul, Cricket South Africa’s acting chief executive. “If they get it they will recover. It’s the people in the stands who are the concern. It’s more about public safety, but we are monitoring the situation on a 12-hour basis. Our medical committee is dealing with it, and if we get an expert opinion we will take drastic action.”
The Indian Premier League has been set to begin from March 29 with an opening clash between Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. The upcoming edition of IPL will also mark MS Dhoni’s return to competitive cricket after close to 8 months of absence.
MS Dhoni’s exit
The former Indian skipper was last seen in action against New Zealand in the ICC World Cup semifinal, a game India lost. He made himself unavailable for India’s international assignments post the WC exit and was eventually dropped from the BCCI’s list of centrally contracted players in January. The former Indian captain missed all the series after the world cup exit as he involved in the parachute regiment of the Indian Army in Kashmir valley.
As pointed out by BCCI president Sourav Ganguly and India head coach Ravi Shastri, Dhoni’s international future depends on his performances in IPL 2020 which comes in to consider him in T20 World Cup planned later this year in Australia.
Raina and Rayudu have been training here for the past three weeks. MS Dhoni is expect to practise for a couple of weeks with Suresh Raina and Ambati Rayudu among other Chennai Super Kings players.
This IPL plays a crucial role for Dhoni’s return to International matches that too for the upcoming T20I world cup. During the net practice Dhoni aggressively strike 5 sixes of five consecutive balls. This made fans to get in joy as they see their “Thala” in an glorious form.
Dhoni in practice match ahead of IPL 2020
Corona threat to postpone IPL
On the other side the out break of corona may expect to affect the scheduled IPL. But the IPL Franchise announced that they are okay with the decision to play behind the closed doors. As World Health Organisation (WHO) declared the coronavirus outbreak a “pandemic”, there is no other option than to play the match behind closed doors.
Though there’s a lot of argument regards the IPL matches, teams continuous their practice session without any break. Chennai Super Kings, one of the IPL team which has crazy fans starts their practice session from the beginning of March.
During a practice match at Chepauk, Dhoni shows his aggressive batting format and proves his form. Despite the match neither being televised nor the full scorecard of the same being available, there are reports of Dhoni scoring 123 (91) in the practice match.
Ministry of External Affairs advises organizers to postpone IPL
India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has advised against conducting the 13th edition of the Indian Premier League. As the corona virus spread has increased dramatically experts advice peoples to avoid attending a huge crowd. Although the virus shows its hardness, BCCI seems not to postpone the scheduled IPL.
“I think it is for the organizers to decide whether to go ahead with it or not. Our advice would be to not do it at this time but if they want to go ahead, it is their decision,” the MEA official said.
Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on the effect of #coronavirus on IPL: I think it is for the organizers to decide whether to go ahead with it or not. Our advice would be to not do it at this time but if they want to go ahead, it is their decision. pic.twitter.com/qFlpsrxU0D
Earlier IPL Franchise announced that they are okay with the decision to play behind the closed doors. As World Health Organisation (WHO) declared the coronavirus outbreak a “pandemic”, there is no other option than to play the match behind closed doors.
“See, the gate money is no issue as these things are insured. As for the fans, it is disappointing, but we don’t really have much of an option as we have to abide by the diktat of the central government and even WHO has declared the outbreak a “pandemic”.
“This makes it clear that if we have to have an IPL this year, it has to be behind closed doors. So now, would we rather want an IPL where fans can watch the games on television or we don’t want an IPL in 2020? So, we are okay with that, but the BCCI must sit down and speak to the central government to make an exception and allow the foreign players to come in before April 15 as the IPL loses its sheen otherwise,” the official said.
“It could be TV-only as it is a medical emergency and we can do nothing about that,” the source added.
BCCI must ensure that at least the foreign players are handed permission as they are already touring around the world. BCCI have to make it clear after discussing with particular governmental departments said by an official of another franchise.
However, the ministry also added that the final decision lies with organizers.
India vs South Africa 1st ODI cancelled due to rain
Ahead of the corona virus threat, the ODI match between India and South Africa scheduled to play in Dharamsala on Thursday. But an unexpected guest interrupted the match. The toss was delayed earlier due to wet conditions but soon rain started pouring in and eventually the officials called off the match without a ball being bowled. It was the second match inside six months at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Stadium that was called off due to inclement weather.
India lose couple of series to the New Zealand led by Kane Williamson. India lost the ODI series as well as test match series in a whitewash manner to the New Zealand. On the other hand South Africa whitewashed Australia in the 3 match ODI series.
India vs South Africa 1st ODI cancelled due to rain
After the successful victory South Africa registered their first win in seven series across formats since the 2019 World Cup. India set to play without their hit-man Rohit Sharma as he ruled out due to the calf injury occurred during the match against New Zealand. India’s other opener Shikhar Dhawan missed the entire New Zealand series due to the shoulder injury. Dhawan want to perform well in order to make sure he make his case stronger for the T20 World Cup later in the year. In Rohit’s absence, Prithvi Shaw and Shubman Gill will fight it out to join Shikhar Dhawan at the top of the order.
Team India expect to comeback with form through this match but the rain interrupted and abandoned the match without even bowling a ball. According to weather reports, there will be a cloud cover during the second game in Lucknow on Sunday but rain is expected to stay away. These two matches also expect to play behind the closed door as planned for the IPL 2020 and Road Safety World Series.
The Indian Premier League will always create huge impact on players form. But this year due to the outbreak of corona virus the scheduled IPL matches expected to postponed. In addition to that Indian Government also imposed fresh visa restriction due to the corona virus out-break. According to the visa restriction involvement of foreign players in IPL becomes doubtful.
On behalf of this, Government has made it clear that the matches can be played behind the closed doors and the franchises are okay with the idea of the IPL being held with empty stands. The same rule has been imposed to the ongoing Road Safety World Series matches in India. As World Health Organisation (WHO) declared the coronavirus outbreak a “pandemic”, there is no other option than to play the match behind closed doors.
“See, the gate money is no issue as these things are insured. As for the fans, it is disappointing, but we don’t really have much of an option as we have to abide by the diktat of the central government and even WHO has declared the outbreak a “pandemic”.
“This makes it clear that if we have to have an IPL this year, it has to be behind closed doors. So now, would we rather want an IPL where fans can watch the games on television or we don’t want an IPL in 2020? So, we are okay with that, but the BCCI must sit down and speak to the central government to make an exception and allow the foreign players to come in before April 15 as the IPL loses its sheen otherwise,” the official said.
The Officials also confirmed that IPL won’t postponed as rumoured. It is better to watch the IPL through broadcasting compared to never happened. This IPL set as a major platform for every players to get into the squad for the upcoming T20I world cup scheduled later this year.
“The international commitments that the players have cannot be toyed with and the host broadcasters have already made it clear that they are not too keen on double headers. So, keeping the interest of all parties in place, the best option is to have an IPL behind closed doors. The franchises will have to bear the loss that comes with merchandise sales, but that is a nominal amount as compared to the losses that will be incurred if the IPL doesn’t happen in 2020,” the official said.
BCCI and IPL
Franchise demand
BCCI must ensure that at least the foreign players are handed permission as they are already touring around the world. BCCI have to make it clear after discussing with particular governmental departments said by an official of another franchise.
“See, the Proteas are already in the country, so as per the directive, they can easily stay back. Also, if you see, the Englishmen are already in Sri Lanka and the Kiwis are playing the Aussies in Australia, so they are anyway on the road. We just need the BCCI to sit down with the governmental departments and get us the clearance so that we can have the IPL with foreign players. The whole tournament will lose its charm if the foreign players are not there. It is the biggest cricket carnival in the world for a reason,” the official told IANS.
Union Sports Secretary Radhey Shyam Julaniya said that if a sports event is unavoidable and has to be organised, it should be done ensuring there is no public gathering. The spread of the virus can be possibly controlled when peoples avoid gathering in a particular spot.
“All national federations, including the BCCI, have been told to adhere to the guidelines and advisory issued by the ministry of health and public welfare. We have also told them to avoid any public gathering and if a sporting event has to be organised, it should be done without gathering of people.
“It is the state government who has to manage the crowd and who have the power under the epidemic diseases act (Epidemic Act of 1897). If it is unavoidable and it has to be organised, then they should do it without collecting the crowd,” he told IANS.
