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With every passing day, the pressure is well and truly mounting on the Kerala Cricket Association (KCA), owing to their decision to host the India-West Indies ODI at the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium in Kochi in the month of November.
One of the most iconic football stadiums in India, the playing surface was recently relaid just before the FIFA U-17 World Cup. In total, Rs. 25 crores and numerous man hours were spent in ensuring, an ideal surface was available before the tournament.
If the BCCI and the KCA decide to go ahead with their controversial decision, the turf no doubt will have to be relaid from scratch and this means complete deconstruction of the newly laid pristine grass surface, originally meant solely for football.
Speaking exclusively to Sportskeeda, Kerala Blasters captain, Sandesh Jhingan aired his views on the ongoing saga.
"I've had a lot of great memories in that stadium for Kerala Blasters and the Indian national team. I scored my first goal there. I was really upset when I read the news. We have so many cricket pitches in India while only have 8-10 quality stadiums for football. Despite all this, they are planning to dig up the ground. It's quite surprising," he said.
"I am not against any sport but this ground has quality grass which is FIFA approved. It's a very political thing, you can't get into the depth of it. It's a political decision and in India, you know how politics works? As a footballer, I have great memories there," he added.
While Jhingan is completely against the idea playing a cricket match on the ground, he has come to terms with the fact that he is not in control of the situation but hopes the right decision is made.
Whatever transpires, he ultimately wishes to once again play on a flawless surface when he takes to the pitch next season. Sandesh is of the opinion that the cricket match should not be played at the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium in Kochi.
"If they do dig it up, I hope they make it right before the next ISL. I hope it remains in the same condition or even better when the ISL starts next season. People care, man, it's a big stadium for the fans. I hope they don't dig it up," Jhingan said.
"Yes, cricket is miles ahead but all we're trying to make our country proud. There is no feeling of jealousy. That's how it is but are on the same path," he signed off.
