JSR cricket lovers demand revival of Keenan Stadium

Jamshedpur: A day after Jharkhand posted a win over Odisha in its final group league match to advance into the knockout stage of Ranji Trophy, cricket aficionados in Jamshedpur on Monday made a strong pitch for reviving the Keenan Stadium so that it can host international matches again.

The stadium, which opened in 1939, has a capacity of 19,000 visitors. Yet, Rakesh Singh, who came to watch the game with his son on Sunday, rued about the lack of infrastructure and sitting arrangements.

"I used to play cricket for my school team in the Steel City and now my son is enrolled in a cricket academy here. Whenever Keenan hosts any domestic cricket matches, I come on all days taking a break from my job, but it is disappointing as there are no facilities for the spectators like me. No drinking water or proper toilets are available. As most of the galleries have been demolished at the stadium and only the old pavilion is available, cricket lovers have to adjust in the little space available for them," said Rakesh, 40, who works in a private firm in Jamshedpur.

“As a cricket lover from city, I demand that Keenan must be rebuilt and made ready to host big tournaments as earlier," he said. Niva Kumari, a city-based banker, said, “I along with my son and daughter were in the stadium on all four days of the match which ended on Sunday. Now, Jharkhand will play Uttarakhand at Keenan from Feb 6 in the quarter final match. I am eager to see the match here. I wish Keenan gets backs to its old glory and hosts international matches. It will be a great joy for all cricket lovers in Jamshedpur and surrounding areas."

When contacted, Jharkhand State Cricket Association secretary Saurabh Tiwary said, “JSCA is in touch with Tata Steel so that Keenan can be revived for big tournaments. Talks are on at various levels to dilute the impasse stonewalling the development of Keenan," said Saurabh.

After a celebration programme following the victory of Jharkhand in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy last year, Saurabh along with Tata Steel brass went around the stadium to find out the requirements for revival of the place.

Notably, last international match was played at Keenan in 2006, between India and England. Presently it is the practice ground of a private cricket academy. Along with being the JSCA office, it hosts domestic cricketing ties.