Vizag may host ICC Women’s World Cup this year, says ACA president Kesineni Sivanath

Vizag may host ICC Women’s World Cup this year, says ACA president Kesineni Sivanath. As of now, it is speculative, and an official communication from the BCCI is awaited, he says, adding that the Port City may also be the venue of a Men’s ODI in December. Mr. Sivanath says they have decided to continue the Andhra Premier League (APL) this year to nurture local talent.

The Port City may be one of a venues for the ICC Women’s World Cup this year. “It is just a speculation as of now. We have to receive an official communication from The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI),” says president of the Andhra Cricket Association (ACA) Kesineni Sivanath.

“If it comes true, it will be a feather in the cap of Visakhapatnam and Andhra Pradesh as well,” Mr. Sivanath told the media at the Dr. YSR ACA-VDCA Stadium here on Sunday, ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) matches.

“The city may also host the Men’s One Day International (ODI) match in December. We are also trying to make Vizag the venue for the Men’s T20 matches,” he said, adding that the ACA was making constant efforts to bring as many as international cricket matches and IPL matches to Andhra Pradesh. He said that ICC Chairman Jay Shah had been very supportive and positive to their requests.

There were no IPL matches scheduled in Visakhapatnam earlier this year. But the ACA members and IT Minister Nara Lokesh had requested the Delhi Capitals (DC) to host a couple of matches. “Following the DC’s request for several changes, the ACA has renovated the stadium in a record time of less than two months,” the Vijayawada MP said.

The first phase of renovation works had been completed and the second phase works, which included elevation, would began in April after completion of the IPL matches, he said.

Mr. Sivanath said they had decided to continue the Andhra Premier League (APL) this year to nurture local talent. “However, the rules and regulations will be amended. The details will be discussed and informed after the IPL matches,” he said.

Visakhapatnam had hosted one ICC Men’s World Cup during February 1996, which was played between Kenya and Australia.