Chandigarhs Sector 16 stadium readies to host an ODI after 14 years

Chandigarh is gearing up to host the fourth one-day international of the ongoing seven-match series between Australia and India.

Chandigarh, Oct 6 : Chandigarh is gearing up to host the fourth one-day international of the ongoing seven-match series between Australia and India.

The Sector 16 stadium is being spruced up to host the match to be played on Monday, which will be its first in over 14 years.

Groundsmen are working hard to give finishing touches to the pitch and the outfield. New pavilions have been constructed, while the existing ones have been expanded to fit in more seats.

I. S. Sandhu, Director Sports, Chandigarh, said the ground is ready to hold an international match.

"We have upgraded the facilities like the new pitch has been laid. The outfield has been done up all over again. The seating capacity has been increased. The electronic screen board has been put in place. The media centre has been set-up. We look forward to the BCCI and the ICC to select this (stadium) as a continuing venue," he said.

Harish Sharma, curator at the Sector 16 stadium, is hopeful that the India-Australia match will bring more matches to the stadium in future.

"The government is making every effort for the match. After 14 years, we are getting a match. So, we want this match to be a grand success and a memorable one. If this match is a success, then I am sure many other matches will be played here," he said.

The last international match played at the stadium was in 1992-93, when India beat England.

Australia is leading the series 2-0. The first match was abandoned due to rain.

ANI