ICC lifts ban on Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua

Georgetown (Guyana), Apr.30 (ANI): The International Cricket Council (ICC) has lifted the ban on the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium at Antigua following a 12 -month suspension.he ban was lifted after the ICC match referee Geoff Crowe declared the stadium fit to play international cricket after an inspection.

"We are content that the ground is now of sufficient standard to host international cricket. The remedial work has been carried out and Mr. Crowe has carried out a full inspection, during which he found the ground to be of a good standard," ICC spokesman David Richardson said.

The ICC had banned the stadium in February last year after a Test match between West Indies and England was called-off due to unhealthy playing conditions.

The stadium is considered to be the premier cricket stadium in the Caribbean. However, it has been facing troubles one after another since it was inaugurated ahead of the 2007 World Cup.

It initially had a capacity of 20,000 people, but was reduced to 10,000 after the World Cup.

The ground has hosted only two Tests till now, as the pitches were re-laid after the first test between the West Indies and Australia in 2008. (ANI)