The Saurashtra Cricket Association (SCA) has invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the first-ever cricket Test match to be hosted by the ground. The first Test of the five-match series between India and England will be played at the SCA stadium in Khandheri from November 9 to 13.
It is an established fact that Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has been good relations with SCA as the SCA president Niranjan Shah, is also a BCCI official. And after BCCI SCA’s stadiums to conduct the India-England Test series and in the backdrop of the tensions going on between the Lodha Committee and BCCI, SCA’s invitation to the Prime Minister looks more than just an invitation but to strengthen ties with the PM.
SCA’s Media Manager Himanshu Shah said on Wednesday, “The SCA is going to host it’s first-ever Test match next month and it’s indeed a matter of pride for all cricket lovers of this region.”
Shah added, “The SCA and it’s governing body have cordially invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the first Test match.”
“It has been SCA’s profound honour that Modiji has laid the foundation stone of the stadium on June 19, 2006 when he was the Chief Minister of Gujarat. He has also inaugurated it on January 5, 2013,” Shah brought in light.
While waiting for a confirmation from the PM officie, Shah said, “Now Modiji has become the Prime Minister and his presence will be an inspiring force for all of us at the SCA.”
The SCA has also invited Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani and former players like Salim Durani, Dilip Doshi, Karsan Ghavri, Yajuvendra Singh and Ajay Jadeja, who represented the country at international level, for the match.