Ahmedabad: The Indian Cricket League (ICL) on Wednesday signed an agreement with Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) to hold ICL matches at Sardar Patel Stadium for a 10-year tenure and in turn the rebel league will pump in Rs 10 crore to upgradate the stadium based in Navrangpur.

As per the agreement, the ICL will spend Rs 10-crore in a span of ten years for upgrading the stadium, which will include setting up of flood lights at a cost of Rs 3-4 crore. While other funds would be utilised for developing the outfield, pitch, dressing room, stands and common areas.

Going down the memory lane, Kapil Dev, ICL, Chairman, said: ''I have broken the world record surpassing Sir Richard Hadley's feat in Ahmedabad. I believe many more records will be created for generations to cherish and be proud of.''

''Gujarat has always bestowed its revered support on me as a player and I would like to reciprocate the love&affection by bringing a vibrant sporting product- the ICL which will be an enriching experience for the fans of Western state.''

The ICL has also given Gujarat its first own home team called Ahmedabad Rockets.

The new ICL season begins on Oct 10. A total of 34 matches with a best of three finals will be played at four grounds across the country.

The Navrangpura AMC ground has seen some historical matches that were played during Ian Botham's captaincy and now ICL promises to make it to the epicenter of cricket in Gujarat. ICL's mega plan is to make numerous youth academies across India and the first step in every state is to build robust, international level infrastructure, the ICL chairman said.

Kanaji Thakore, City Mayor, said: ''After seeing India's performance in the Olympics, I am convinced that the youngsters of today need more platforms like ICL in every sport. I am sure that this partnership between ICL and AMC will propel Ahmedabad to a higher level of recognition in the world of cricket.''

Agencies

Tags: icl, t20 league, ahmedabad, sardar patel stadium, amc, ahmedabad rockets, 10- year deal, kapil.