By IANS,
Kolkata: West Bengal intellectuals Sunday expressed shock and disappointment over the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) decision to shift the India-England World Cup match from the Eden Gardens here and blamed the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) for failing to prepare the stadium in time.
Kolkata’s hopes of getting back the India-England World Cup match Feb 27 were also dashed Sunday.
The statement from the ICC came after two days of hectic developments and the state government moving swiftly to press its machinery to salvage the situation.
“It’s really very shocking and disappointing that Eden Gardens is not hosting the India-England match. I had a perception that (Jagmohan) Dalmiya is a good cricket administrator. But what happened is really shameful,” said Shirshendu Mukhopadhaya, a writer.
“It’s disappointing and painful. I will blame the CAB for this,” said Sunil Gangopadhyay, another writer.
The ICC Jan 27 ruled the Eden Gardens unsuitable for the tie due to incomplete preparations. The scrapping of the match followed an adverse report from the ICC venue inspection team.
“It is a sin which cannot be forgiven. They were given time, and they couldn’t complete in it. It’s their fault. And from the pictures what I have seen, it seems that it will take at least two more months to finish the job,” said Buddhadeb Dasgupta, a filmmaker.
“I think it’s a shame for east zone. I suspect there are few agencies which are trying to pull down Bengal. I feel the ICC could have given some time to the CAB,” said P.C. Sorcar (Junior), a magician.