The world-class international cricket stadium at Ranchi on Saturday joined the exclusive league of Brabourne and Chepauk with inauguration of Country Cricket Club (CCC) at the stadium premises. The club was inaugurated by captain cool of Indian cricket team, Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Director General of Police Rajiv Kumar.
The club has been modeled on clubs like Cricket Club of India at Brabourne, said to be the first club based cricket stadium in India, and similar clubs at other international cricketing venues in India.
“Today, we are here not directly for cricket but for a club very directly related to cricket. I would congratulate Amitabh Choudhary alongwith other officials of JSCA to bring up a stadium like this,” said Dhoni.
The transformation of the cricket stadium into a club based cricket complex is an attempt to break even (recover total cost) as hosting few matches is too little to recover investment made for
creating the world class infrastructure.
Besides, the club is also aimed at spicing up the lives of cricket enthusiasts with a host of facilities to enjoy with an ambience that depicts cricket of highest standard in the club with convenience and class.
“In one year sport is organised for 6 to 10 days only. Can we leave (the facility) as it is for 345-daysIJ What type of wisdom is thisIJ” said JSCA president Amitabh Chaudhary explaining the rationale of inaugurating the club.
There will be three categories of membership at the club- life membership will be for dedicated JSCA functionaries whereas services membership will be offered to civil servants at a one-time payment of Rs110,000 and permanent membership will be bestowed for Rs5 lakh that could be paid in three
installments. Both life members and permanent members will have voting rights. The club committee will invite the Governor, Chief Minister, Chief Justice of the Jharkhand high court and any other outstanding public figure to become honorary members.
“It’s a class apart. Though my resident is opposite in the city but my office is very close by so instead of going home I would come here and have splash in the swimming pool, play a game or two of billiards and go home refreshed,” said the DGP.
To renovate the stadium into a world class club a lavish restaurant on the ground floor with a live kitchen to satiate palate of connoisseur of foods very much likely to be named after cricketers and twin seating options have been created for the club members.
The association has also planned to open deck with a capacity of about 40 people in the stadium.
A 4,000sqft family lounge with a pavillion for children (carpeted to prevent injuries to children) will greet people on the right side of the club’s entrance. The third and fourth floors of CCC houses four suites and 26 deluxe rooms and dorms.
All rooms will be equipped with wi-fi connection in future provide connectivity with comfort at the club. Every suite has a drawing room, desk, wardrobes, a double bed or twin beds and attached bathrooms.
Meanwhile, the JSCA president indicated that Ranchi may host its first ever test match in November. The JSCA International Cricket Stadium has been awarded the status of test venue.
“If all goes well then may be in November we will host first test match,” added Chaudhary.