Tiff over ground casts shadow over Kochi ODI

Kochi: The odds have risen heavily against Kochi hosting an ODI in the West Indies tour in October even as the All-India Football Federation decided on Sunday to postpone the Indian Super League by a month owing to clash of schedules.

The ISL window that was previously decided between September 13 and December 7 has been changed from October 12 to December 20 so as to get the cricket series, that has a common broadcaster, kicked-off most likely on October 7.

However, the proposed cricket match in Kochi is unlikely to happen due to lack of preparation time. At least three weeks is required for the ground to be made available for ISL after the international cricket match, ruling out the possibility of the ODI happening in Kochi.

ISL requires a minimum of 25 mm thickness of the grass and it takes at least 15-20 days, experts suggest, for it to grow back once mowed down to 2 mm on the wickets and about 11mm on the outfield, as stipulated for cricket.

It is also understood that the ISL organisers, IMG-Reliance, have already booked the Kochi venue for the entire ISL duration. “We can verify that there is confirmation of the stadium booking with the Greater Cochin Development Authority, the owners, until the upcoming ISL season is over,” said a highly-placed source with the ISL.

Meanwhile, the Kerala Football Association has washed its hands of the issue stating it is not in its  powers to accommodate cricket during ISL. “We would like to see cricket happen, but it is not in our hands. It is decided by IMG and the AIFF and if they decide to give time for cricket to take place, it could happen. Otherwise it is unlikely,” said KFA president K.M.I. Mather.