Australian delegates satisfied with arrangements for ODI

Chandigarh, July 13 (UNI) A four-member inspection team from Australia today visited the Sector 16 Cricket Stadium where India will play Australia in the one-day international match on October 8.

Chandigarh will be hosting an international cricket match after a gap of 14 years. The last ODI was played here between India and England on January 21, 1993.

The Australian delegation comprising Stephen Bernard, Team Manager, Michael Brown, General Manager, Cricket Operations, Geoff Allardice, Cricket Manager and Reginald Dickon, Security Manager, was received by a team led by Haryana Cricket Association secretary and former president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Ranbir Singh Mahendera.

Security Manager Relginal Dickson made some queries like serving of food to the Australian team in the dressing room and media facilities. The delegates also inspected the players' rooms and discussed the security arrangements in detail.

The administration promised that all requirements would be made to their full satisfaction. Mr Bernard said that the Australian were here during the ICC Trophy matches and were happy with the arrangements and security provided to them.

Chief Engineer V K Bhardwaj said that the Administration would install an electronic scoreboard, floodlights and make some additional construction. The seating capacity of the stadium would be raised to 26,000 from 25,000.

Later, talking to media persons, Team manager Stephen Bernard said he was satisfied with the facilities but wanted that the players' area 'should be covered'.

Briefing the media, Ranbir Singh Mahendra said ''the Australians were satisfied with the arrangements. They did not ask for any specific change.'' Chandigarh SSP Dinesh Bhatt, who was also present, said that foolproof security arrangements would be made for the match.

''We will discuss every point in detail to provide security to both teams. If needed, additional security will be arranged. There would be no compromise on security,'' he asserted.

Asked if the Chandigarh Police would ask for payment from the Haryana Cricket Association for providing security for the match, Bhatt said ''we will discuss this point with the Chandigarh Administration.'' The visitors later left for Delhi by air as they were scheduled in Bangalore tomorrow.

Earlier, the arrival of Australians was delayed by more than three and half hours as the Shatabdi Train from Delhi reached Chandigarh via Shahranpur due to technical problems.

UNI