The BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India)India is no stranger to suffering sporting humiliation, but when it’s most famous ground, Eden Gardens, was declared unfit to host matches in next month's World Cup, their cricketing foundations were shaken.
After a renovation program at Eden Gardens had fallen months behind schedule, the International Cricket Council (ICC) said another stadium would have to be found to hold the India-England clash on February 27.
"Regrettably, Eden Gardens has not made sufficient progress to justify the level of confidence required to confirm that the venue would be ready in good time", ICC chief executive Haroon Lorgat said in a statement.
Three other fixtures in the World Cup, which runs from February 19 to April 2 in India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, are also scheduled to take place at the ground.
The decision was a major blow for India's image and the estimated 64,000 spectators who were expected to pack in to the legendary stadium.
"All venues had ample time in which to prepare for World Cup matches", said Lorgat.
"We had been understanding and had provided extensions to the deadline dates but unfortunately we are now at a point where we must carefully manage our risks".
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), which oversees the multi-billion-dollar sport in India and is seen as dominating the game worldwide, distanced it from the failure to rebuild Eden Gardens on time.
"I don't think the BCCI should be blamed for this", BCCI spokesman Rajiv Shukla said in a brief statement.
"These things happen. I am sure the organising committee will choose a suitable venue soon for that game. But there is no doubt the remaining matches in Kolkata will be held on schedule".
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