‘International cricket stadium in Goa within three years’

Panaji: The ‘parivartan’ panel that is advocating change at the Goa Cricket Association (GCA) has promised to construct an international cricket stadium in the state within the next three years.
The GCA first bought land at Tivim for an international cricket stadium in 2010. Subsequently, more land for the same project was bought at Maulinguem in Bicholim and Dhargal, where a Sports City was expected to come up. The dream of a cricket stadium though has remained unfulfilled.
“We will do in three years what has not been done for the last 15 years,” Rohan Gauns Dessai told reporters on Saturday. “Everyone is making progress (in cricket), even the United States which is more known for other sports has taken rapid strides, while Goa has been left behind. It’s unfortunate that we don’t have a stadium after so many years. I am confident if our panel is voted to power, we will have an international cricket stadium before the end of tenure.”
Rohan is currently the joint secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and is backing Mahesh Candolkar for the president’s post. The other panel members include Rajesh Patnekar (vice president), Daya Pagi (secretary), Shushant Naik (joint secretary), Rupesh Naik (treasurer) and Meghnath Shirodkar (member).
In its manifesto, the panel has promised to make Goa a powerhouse of cricket with modern facilities, fair opportunities for players, transparent governance, and collective growth of clubs and cricket lovers across the state.
“We need a change for the betterment of Goan cricket,” said Candolkar, who heads the Goa Chess Association. “Our cricket is not moving forward. We need players who can play at the highest level, and for that we need coaches who can improve these players and put up consistent performances at the Ranji Trophy.”
The panel has made construction of “world class international cricket stadium” as its principal aim. Rohan said the stadium will come up at Maulinguem, where GCA has land of its own.
As per BCCI’s policy, Goa cannot host international cricket matches without its own stadium.
“We have the support of the govt and the clubs in making this dream come true. We can start work immediately,” said Rohan.