The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) has sought 50 acres of government land for development of cricket infrastructure in Mangaluru.
In his October 1 letter to Santosh Kumar Shetty, Chairperson of Mangaluru Urban Development Authority (MUDA), the honorary president of KSCA B. K. Venkatesh Prasad said that the land can be allotted on an outright purchase basis, or on a 50-year lease.
“Mangaluru being a district headquarters, there is necessity to have adequate cricketing infrastructure and cricketing facilities to cater to the need of budding cricketers to showcase their potential talent...” Mr. Prasad stated.
The letter stated that the KSCA is committed to utilising the land exclusively for the promotion and development of cricket. “...KSCA assures that, upon allotment and possession of the land, the association will undertake phased development to complete all essential infrastructure, such as drainage system, practice facilities, and other basic amenities, within a period of three years...” Mr. Prasad wrote.
Once the infrastructure is in place, young and budding sportsmen from Mangaluru and contiguous areas will benefit, besides enabling young cricketers from the region to gain from quality playing and training facilities. “KSCA is hopeful that the near future would witness the presence of national and international players from these areas...”
He said that the proposed project will play a transformative role in strengthening sports infrastructure in the region. “KSCA remains committed to partnering with the government of Karnataka in achieving the objectives, and ensuring that the proposed facility becomes a Centre of Excellence for cricket development...”
Mr. Prasad said that, presently, more than 40% of the State’s team consists of players from moffusil districts of Karnataka. The KSCA needs to identify this talent and give them a platform to perform, he added.
“We request you to kindly allot the land either on a purchase basis or a long-lease basis. For both the options, we request you to kindly give us your lowest rates normally offered to education and sports organisations,” Mr. Prasad stated.
