Cricketers cry foul as Parade Grounds is now out of bounds

Parade Grounds: The Parade Grounds that has been a favourite haunt for cricketers in the city is now out of bounds for them thanks to the flurry of cultural events to be held at the grounds.

Eighty per cent of the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) One-Day league matches are conducted at Parade Grounds but the 2017-18 season has been a damp squib. On an average, a team has 13-16 matches per year that are played on Saturday and Sunday and the season begins in the month of June and ends by December. However, this season even 50 per cent of the matches were not conducted.

The officials at HCA say that the Parade Grounds is not available throughout the year and permission has to be taken every week to conduct matches. Also, the grounds is not available during Indian Independence Day and Republic Day.  

Sai, a club cricketer who turns up for Natraj Cricket Club says, “We just played seven matches. It is such a loss as, so many young cricketers depend on the league to prove their talent.”

Last week the Parade Grounds was used by a Christian organisation and in the next week, the first-ever International Kite Festival (TIKF) and International Sweet Festival will be held at Parade Grounds from January 13–15.  The previous kite festival was held at the Aga Khan Academy in Shamshabad. 

Sai, a club cricketer who turns up for Natraj Cricket Club says, “We just played seven matches. It is such a loss as, so many young cricketers depend on the league to prove their talent.”