PANAJI
Goa will host three Ranji Trophy, three Under-23 and two Under-19 matches during the upcoming domestic season, with the Goa Cricket Association (GCA) upgrading infrastructure at its grounds across the state.
GCA secretary Tulshidas Shetye said the Sanguem ground has undergone a major facelift and is ready to host the age-group matches.
“We have been lucky this year as the BCCI has allotted us three Under-23 and two Under-19 matches, which will be played at the Sanguem ground. At the moment, our Sanguem ground is of A-1 quality. We have ensured a lot of infrastructure is in place at the stadium. Our groundsmen at the Sanguem facility are working hard to host these matches. The practice pitches at the venue have been renovated,” he said.
A connecting road has been created at the venue, while pipelines, floodlights, a generator and LED screen have been installed. The broken compound wall has also been repaired.
“We have a generator and LED screen installed at Sanguem. Necessary audio-visual infrastructure has also been set up. The broken compound wall has been repaired,” he added.
Three Ranji Trophy matches will be played in Goa, with the Panaji Gymkhana ground set to host matches as renovation work continues at Porvorim.
“Preparations for it are on. We are also lucky this time that the IPL auction will be held in Goa in December. This is happening after a long time once again,” Shetye said.
At Porvorim, renovation work includes upgrades to the gym, floodlights and other facilities. The ground is expected to be ready by December.
“At Porvorim, since renovation is under way, many matches that were to be held there are delayed, but by December the ground will be ready. The gym has been upgraded with better technology and it will be opened in the next 20 days. Machinery has been given a shed as it used to remain out in the rain; this will keep it safe. Floodlights have been installed, and a generator is also in place,” he said.
At Chicalim, GCA curator Suryakant Naik has prepared a centre wicket, while five new pitches have also been added for practice.
On preparations for the domestic season, Shetye said Goa's teams had trained throughout the year. The Under-19 boys will travel to Chandigarh for one-day matches, while the girls will head to Bengaluru for T20 matches.
“Our players have practised a lot and the coaches have also put in a lot of effort,” he said.
