A team lead by ACC Development Officer Rumesh Ratnayake held discussions with Nepali cricket officials after inspecting the stadium. The team also observed other possible sites for cricket ground.[break]
So far, ACC, the governing body of cricket in Asia, has provided a financial support of Rs 3.7 million for the construction of stadium. According to the Kaski District Cricket Association, till date Rs 6.5 million has been spent, including the money collected from local people.
"Ratnayake visited Pokhara to check whether the money given by ACC has been utilized properly or not," Devendra Praju, the president of District Cricket Association said, adding, "He also inquired about the condition of ground and other physical infrastructure."
Ratnayake also inspected other possible sites for turning them into cricket ground.
He also inquired about the hotels in Pokhara. "He asked whether there shall be good provision of lodging and food in case a big international cricket tournament is held in the city," Praju said.
Officials of the district association also informed Ratnayake about other infrastructural requirements for the stadium.
"Though the ground shall be fit for holding cricket tournaments within a few months, it needs additional infrastructures for long term benefit and I briefed Ratnayake about this," Praju said, adding, "He was positive about this and the ACC shall provide additional budget on the basis of report submitted by Ratnayake."
"He seemed satisfied with our work and we have expected additional support from the ACC," Praju told Republica. “We need additional Rs 5 million to complete the construction of stadium.”
"Roller, water absorbing equipments, pitch cover and few other things are required to run the stadium in long run," Praju said.
Currently, the construction of pitch is going on. The stadium was in the last phase of construction earlier, but needed to be renovated as it remained unused for a long time.
Technicians from Birgunj are repairing the ground. According to Praju, the ground shall be ready by mid-March.
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