'We are getting our share of ODIs now'

Q-What preparations are being made for the upcoming match?
A-Preparations are going on in full swing. Cricket lovers in Orissa and India will be pleased to know that seating capacity of Barabati cricket stadium has now been increased to 45,000 from 35,000. We have recently completed the renovation work. An estimated budget of Rs 4.5 crore has been set aside for the match.
The commissionerate of police is looking after the security arrangement. Steps have also been taken to avoid duplication of tickets of the ODI match. Most importantly, we have insured the crucial match with Oriental Insurance company for Rs 15 crore. The insurance component includes Rs 5 crore for spectators, Rs 5 crore for equipment, flood lights and the remaining Rs 5 crore for the match. This is the highest ever insurance cover made by OCA for any international match.
Q-During the 2009 ODI between India and Sri Lanka at the Barabati stadium, OCA had planned to introduce sari-clad cheer leaders. But had to drop the plan due to protests. Do you have any plans to implement it this time?
A-No, we really don't want to focus on cheer leaders. Just a couple of days are left for the ODI match and we have to make a lot of arrangement .
Q-It is being alleged that despite the world class infrastructure not many international matches are played at Barabati stadium. What is the reason behind it?
A- adopted the rotation policy in 2007. According to the BCCI's rotation policy, stadiums with the best infrastructure are being given a chance to host international matches every two years.
Q-Out of 45,000 seats in Barabati stadium, how many tickets would be available for the general public?
A-At least 38,000 tickets.
Q-Do you have any plns to increase the capacity of the stadium further?
A-We have plans to increase the seating capacity of the stadium to 55,000 by 2013.
Q-A lot of money is being spent by OCA on development of the game in the state, but still performance of Orissa players has not improved much. What is the reason behind it?
A-Many cricket associations across the country are roping in players from other states to improve the performance of their team. But we are notdoing that. We are encouraging youths of our state to play for Orissa. It will take some time but our players will also shine.
Q-Michael Bevan was removed from the post of coach of Ranji team. It was said he was not able to meet the expectations of OCA. What do you have to say ?
A-No, it was nothing like that. Bevan had to quit the job because is daughter was seriously ill and he wanted to take a break of two months. We could not afford to provide him leave as the Ranji season was about to begin. In such circumstances, we mutually decided to end the contract.
Q-Do you think Bevan's exit will affect the performance of the players?
A-Bevan had to it quit the job due to his personal problems and I don't think that his absence will affect the performance of our players. In the meantime, former Indian seamer Debasis Mohanty has been appointed as the new coach of the Ranji team.