Clouds of uncertainty over Team India Camp’s venue

Oct 23: There is confusion and the cloud of uncertainty looming over Team India’s scheduled camp in Kolkata next month. The Indian squad will have to undergo a two-day conditioning camp in the city from November 2 in preparation for the home series against Pakistan, which includes five ODIs and three Tests.

The uncertainty cropped up after the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) opted for Calcutta Cricket & Football Club (CCFC), as an alternative venue for the camp. The BCCI was informed about the unavailability of the Eden Gardens because the host Bengal starts off their Ranji season against Hyderabad from November 3 at the Eden.

“We will decide by tomorrow… We are still looking into the logistics,” BCCI secretary Niranjan Shah informed.

The infrastructure at the CCFC is of the highest standard, but the nature of wickets is mysterious. In 2002, England’s coach Duncan Fletcher complained about the wickets after having week-long camp there.

The CAB has proposed that Men in Blue should train at the CCFC during the scheduled two-day conditioning camp next month ahead of the series against Pakistan.

However, CAB joint secretary Amitava Banerjee, is in favour of the CCFC. "The facilities there are excellent. The pitch and other facilities are all of top standard," he said.

The Indian players would leave for Guwahati on November 4 for the first ODI at Guwahati on November 5. The other games will be held in Mohali (November 8), Kanpur (November 11), Gwalior (November 15) and Jaipur (November 18) followed by a three-Test series.

The Pakistan team is expected to arrive in the capital in the month end. The visitors are scheduled to play a practice One-day match against Delhi Ranji team prior to their series opener in Guwahati.