Cuttack: Odisha Cricket Association (OCA) on Wednesday informed that it has not yet lost hope and is keen to host the upcoming India-West Indies One Day International match at Barabati stadium here on December 22.
OCA secretary Sanjay Behera informed that BCCI has assured to release funds as demanded by the association to make the necessary infrastructure ready before the much-awaited international match in Odisha.
The development assumes significance in the backdrop of uncertainty which was looming large over the fate of the ODI at Barabati stadium in view of the dearth of funds.
It is pertinent to mention here that bulk of the stadium’s infrastructure including galleries, press box and floodlights were badly damaged during cyclone Fani which wreaked havoc in the State in the month of May.
“Recently I had talks with senior BCCI officials and they have assured to release funds,” said Behera.
Behera further stated that for OCA funds is the main concern as the state association now faces an uphill task to get all the infrastructure ready in such a short notice.
OCA officials informed that legendary cricketer Kapil Dev’s company, Dev Musco which had installed floodlights at Barabati stadium has been approached to carryout necessary repair and maintenance of the lighting facilities at the stadium.