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ICC T20 World Cup 2016: Feroz Shah Kotla likely to lose semi-final fixture

The iconic Feroz Shah Kotla stadium seen from players’ perspective

The iconic Feroz Shah Kotla stadium in Delhi is scheduled to host the first semi-final game of the ICC T20 World Cup 2016 on March 30. However, just ten days prior to the match, one can feel a strong sense of apprehension in the NCR air regarding the big semi-final.

Also read: M. Chinnaswamy Stadium Bangalore: Seating Arrangement, Layout, Parking, Stands, Stats

Recently, while issuing clearance for the DDCA to host the T20 World Cup matches the Delhi High Court had put forward a couple of restrictions. One of the diminutions that were introduced had forced the DDCA not to sell any tickets of the RP Mehra Block, which implies nearly 1800 empty seats during the high-voltage semi-final of the tournament.

There is also a strong concern regarding the display of advertisement hoardings in front of the stands.

Also read: New Zealand vs England T20 WC Semi final, Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium Delhi: Seating Arrangement / Seating Chart, Layout, Parking, Stands, Capacity, Stats

These restrictions have surely added to the anxiety of both ICC and BCCI as a number of officials from these two cricketing bodies are now contemplating substitute venues for scheduled semi-final.

An official who is a part of the biggest ICC event of the year has confirmed the rumours stating 1800 empty seats to be the main concern for the global cricketing body.

“Because of the order of the court, no ticket can be sold. It is embarrassing to have an empty stadium particularly when you are hosting a global tournament and all the world is watching you,” he said.

The entire confusion has cropped up another question regarding the fate of other T20 World Cup matches at Feroz Shah Kotla should the penultimate stage match be removed to some other city.

“Should the matches on 26th (England v Sri Lanka) and 28th (South Africa v Sri Lanka) be moved also? What happens if one of the teams playing in Delhi on March 28 qualifies for the semis?” questioned the official.

After the Archeological Survey of India declared one of the structures inside Feroze Shah Kotla to be illegal, Justice Mukul Mudgal – the man in charge of DDCA for the ICC T20 World Cup – has reportedly turned down the ICC to put up any hoardings inside the stadium. Having said that, a senior DDCA official has put the rumour to rest by rubbishing its authenticity.

The DDCA, however, has played the last card in its sleeve on Friday as it approached the Supreme Court, pleading the highest judicial forum of the country to intervene. Chief Justice TS Thakur deferred the DDCA hearing to March 28.

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