Goa to host Ranji matches, IPL Auction as GCA upgrades infra across state

Goa to host Ranji matches, IPL Auction as GCA upgrades infra across state

PANAJI: Goa Cricket Association (GCA) Secretary Tulshidas Shetye has announced that Goa will host three Ranji Trophy matches, alongside three Under-23 and two Under-19 matches. He also said that major renovation work is currently underway at the GCA’s Porvorim ground, which is set to be completed in two months, while the Sanguem ground has received a comprehensive facelift with all necessary infrastructure.

“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.

He also said that a connecting road which was missing for many years has been created, while pipelines and floodlights have been installed as well.

“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 matches will be played in Goa this year at the Panaji Gymkhana ground. “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,” he said.

The GCA has also decided to undertake complete repairs, including lighting, at the Porvorim ground.

“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.

“As the ball would fall on the road outside the ground , we have installed taller nets with barricades. The sight screens were a little small at the Porvorim ground; we have extended these and work on this will be ready soon,” he added.

He also said that at the Chicalim ground, a good centre wicket has been set up by GCA curator Suryakant Naik for all teams who practise there. He stated that the five new pitches have benefitted the players immensely during net sessions.

Regarding the GCA’s preparation of the Goa team for the domestic season, he stated that the teams have been practising throughout the entire year.

“For the Under-19 boys and girls, the games will start on 8 and 9 October. Our boys will be going to Chandigarh to play one-day matches, and from Tuesday our girls will be going to Bengaluru to play T20 matches. Our players have practised a lot and the coaches have also put in a lot of effort. We have selected players from the practice matches. Fifteen boys have been chosen while five have been reserved, while for the girls, 15 have been chosen and three have been reserved,” he said.