Ending days of speculation, Delhi District Cricket Association (DDCA) on Wednesday got the green signal to host the WorldT20 semi-final clash which is scheduled for March 30th after the cricket body got the necessary clearances to use the controversial RP Mehra block at the Feroz Shah Kotla stadium.
The semi-final match was under threat as the RP Mehra block didn’t have all the certificates. DDCA was given an extended deadline till 2pm Wednesday to furnish the clearance. The concerned block has not been given the required clearances by the municipal authorities and the Archaeological Survey of India.
The clearance came after the meeting of DDCA officials and Justice Mudgal, the Supreme Court appointed observer for the Delhi District Cricket Association was over here on Wednesday. Meeting with Mudgal was attended by DDCA working President Chetan Chauhan, Treasurer Ravinder Manchanda, and an ICC legal advisor.
“The semi-final will take place in Delhi as scheduled. We are going ahead with the preparations and the Feroz Shah Kotla will host the tie,” Khanna (Vice-President of DDCA) said. “This will be a Holi gift for Delhiites,” he added smilingly.
Chetan Chauhan, President of Delhi District Cricket Association, said, “On behalf of DDCA, I would like to tell that we have got the clearance for RP Mehra block and to host the WorldT20 semi-final match which is scheduled for March 30th. I would like to thank BCCI and ICC for showing faith in us. There are 2, 100 seats to be precise in this block and now all the cricket lovers can come on 30th and enjoy the match.” he told reporters here during England-Afghanistan match at Feroz Shah Kotla stadium.
The tickets for the semi-final match will go on sale on bookmyshow.com from March 26th.
In a statement issued by South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC), SDMC said, “As per the National Capital Territory of Delhi laws (Special Provisions) Act, 2007 and amended in 2011 and 2014, the said structure (RP Mehra block) till 31st December 2017. The said Act allows maintain status quo in respect of such unauthorized constructions. In view of above prima-facie, it appears that the RP Mehra block is covered under the protection of the said Act. However, the department is seeking clarification from the Ministry of Urban Development, Govt. Of India. Till such time no coercive action can be taken by the SDMC and the RP Mehra block can be put to use.”
Earlier on Tuesday, the DDCA withdrew its petition seeking a direction to South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) to issue the requisite certificate for the block, which is at the centre of a controversy. The RP Mehra Block has not been used in the World T20 matches that have taken place at the Kotla so far. The ICC was concerned about the prospect of the matches being held at Kotla in front of empty stands, especially from the broadcast point of view. Prior to this, DDCA’s attempt to get relief from the Delhi High Court had failed.