Lucknow: Local cricket enthusiasts are buzzing with excitement now that the City of Nawabs has been selected to host its first T20 International. The newly constructed Ekana International Cricket Stadium is all set to hold its very first international event. Per the BCCI's announcement on Tuesday, India will face the West Indies in the second T20 of the series here on November 6th. The news has brought immense joy to the city's sporting community.लखनऊ: नवाबों के शहर लखनऊ को पहली बार टी20 अंतरराष्ट्रीय क्रिकेट मैच की मेजबानी मिलने से शहर के क्रिकेट प्रेमी काफी खुश हैं। शहर के नवनिर्मित इकाना अंतरराष्ट्रीय क्रिकेट स्टेडियम में पहली बार किसी अंतरराष्ट्रीय मैच का आयोजन होगा। भारतीय क्रिकेट बोर्ड द्वारा मंगलवार को जारी कार्यक्रम के अनुसार छह नवंबर को भारत और वेस्टइंडीज के बीच दूसरा टी20 मैच यहां खेला जाएगा। टी20 अंतरराष्ट्रीय मैच की मेजबानी मिलने से शहर के क्रिकेट प्रेमी काफी खुश हैं।
Uday Sinha, the Managing Director of the Ekana International Cricket Stadium, stated that the venue is completely ready to welcome international teams. He noted that Javagal Srinath, acting as an ICC representative, toured the facility a week prior and was highly impressed with the setup. Before the main event, the stadium will host Under-19 cricket matches between September 12th and 18th, with India, Afghanistan, and Sri Lanka participating. Sinha added that they are thrilled to finally see the stadium host a match of this caliber.
Lalit Khanna, CEO of the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA), expressed the association's pride in securing international matches for the Ekana Stadium, complementing the existing legacy of Green Park in Kanpur. This milestone means the UPCA now manages two international-standard venues. Khanna recalled that the MOU with the Ekana Stadium was signed two years ago, and seeing it selected for an international match feels like a dream come true. He further mentioned that a UPCA delegation will soon visit the stadium for a final inspection.
Lucknow native and international fast bowler RP Singh described the event as a wonderful gift for the city's cricket fans, noting that the entire community is elated. Interestingly, this announcement comes on the same Tuesday that RP Singh officially announced his retirement from professional cricket.
Gyanendra Pandey, a former international cricketer and current member of the National Junior Selection Committee from Lucknow, remarked that a long-held dream for the city's fans is finally being realized. He praised the Ekana Stadium as a top-tier facility that will offer spectators a great experience. Pandey also pointed out that since the match against the West Indies falls just one day before Diwali, the atmosphere and excitement will be doubly intense.