Deccan Chronicle 05.11.2009

Civic body playgrounds not suitable for cricket

Chennai
Nov. 4: The state government has banned cricket in Marina stating that youngsters can play the game in 228 corporation grounds. But this is not happening.

Most of these grounds have been converted to roadside parks and walking tracks. The corporation has also constructed modern gymnasiums in several of its open grounds making things difficult for cricket fans.

Several pockets of north Chennai do not have open space and playgrounds, particularly Basin Bridge zone and Triplicane zone. They have only three playgrounds each. Also, around 40 playgrounds of the corporation are less than 10,000 square foot each and not fit for ‘serious cricket’. Only children can play there.

Budding cricketers of the city are disappointed as the government is not even allowing them to play the game at Island grounds.

“Cricket is a religion in our country and the government should consider the sentiments of fans and evolve an amicable solution benefiting both public and the players,” says Chennai based cricketer Sadagoppan Ramesh.

He adds that the government could segregate a portion of the Marina for cricket players and nets can be put up to ensure that the balls do not hit the public. The authorities can even allot exclusive times for the players when there is no crowd at Marina, Mr Ramesh says.