ACC Inspectors Doubtful About New Venues

ACC Development Manager Sultan Rana and Development Officer Rumesh Ratnayake believed that Nepal had a ‘very good chance’ of getting an opportunity to host the upcoming ACC U-19 Cup cricket tournament.

They however looked ‘unsatisfied’ with what they had found in the new proposed venues for the event.

“I will not say I am satisfied or that we have given green signal for the event,” Rana said during the ACC Inspection Team’s Meet the Press program. “But I am very hopeful that the cup will be held here.”

They have visited Engineering Institute Ground and Tundikhel Ground and met with the security and government officials in last two days. They will return on Sept 13 and submit a report to ACC according to which the regional cricket governing body will decide if Nepal is going to host the U-19 World Cup qualifier.

“Everybody is very concerned about this tournament because this is a very important event,” Rana said. “It’s important for the U-19 World Cup qualification and it also relates with the future of the cricketers.” The winner of the event qualifies for the U-19 World Cup in Sri Lanka.

Rana however played down the security concerns. “No place in the world is safe,” he added. “As far as I am concerned, security never has been a problem here and I never had any doubts about security here.”

He said after getting assurance from Chief of Army Staff, National Sports Council member-secretary and minister for sports, there is no doubt left. “The government support here is outstanding,” he said appreciating the efforts put up by the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) officials.

Rana, who had been acted as the tournament director during 2001 ACC U-19 Cup in Kathmandu, however was doubtful about the new venues. “This will be the testing period for the news grounds,” he said. It has just been three weeks since CAN started preparing the venues as Tundikhel, Engineering Institute Ground and Birendra Sainik Awasiya Mahavidhyalaya.

“It will be decided very soon where the U-19 Cup is going to be held,” Rana said. “We will not withdraw any tournament from any country unless there is a serious problem.” He said the decision would probably come within next 10 days.

Rumesh Ratnayake said they would present the report based on what they see here. “I think Nepal has a very good chance of getting the chance,” he said.

CAN presented a short multimedia presentation to the press and the team to boost its bid to host the event. Present on the occasion were president Jai Kumar Nath Shah, vice-presidents TB Shah and Sri Niwas Rana, secretary Laxman Bastola, treasurer Pradeep Kumar Karki and other CAN officials.