PCA ready for IPL

Punjab Cricket Association is ready to host the Indian Premier League opener between Yuvraj Singh-led Kings XI and Mahendra Singh Dhoni's Chennai Super Kings on Saturday.

PCA stadium has been host to six Test matches featuring West Indies (1994), Sri Lanka (1997), New Zealand (1999 and 2003), England (2001) and Pakistan (2005).

What was a swamp with deep ravines in 1992 was turned into India's best stadium within a span of two years and the first ODI was played between India and South Africa on November 22, 1993 even as construction work was still on.

But the PCA team, led by its Chief IS Bindra, prepared perfect conditions for the hosting of the first match.

On Thursday the PCA at Mohali, on the outskirts of Chandigarh, is a truly world-class venue with excellent practice facilities, spectator-friendly outlook and sufficient provisions for the media.

The pitch at Mohali had the reputation of being the liveliest in the country. India were even rolled over for 83 on the first morning against New Zealand in 1999 - but it changed complexion drastically over the next few years and turned into a dead pitch producing high-scoring draws.

There have also been some cracking one-dayers played on this ground, the most thrilling being the World Cup semi-final in 1996 when Australia squeezed past West Indies in a nail- biting finish.

But now after so much action the stadium will be hosting the IPL match which has created a lot of excitement among the general public as film actor Priety Zinta, co-owner of the host team, herself kicking of the sale of tickets.

Spectators will have the opportunity to be a part of this historic occasion, where spin wizard Muttiah Muralitharan will bowl at the king of Twenty20 cricket, Yuvraj Singh, and explosive southpaw Matthew Hayden will take on countryman and the world's fastest bowler Brett Lee.

The match is expected to be a treat for the spectators to see their favourite Indian and international players in action.

Besides, such successful international players, Irfan Pathan, Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardane, Mike Hussey will be present in the middle with raw local talent, including S Sunny Sohal, Pankaj Dharmani, Sahil Kukreja, S Badrinath, S Anirudha and S Suresh Kumar will be seen in action.

Commenting on the first IPL match, Tom Moody, the coach of Kings XI Punjab, said "the boys are very excited and raring to go for the first match. Chennai has got a good balanced team and it will be a delight for the audience to see a thrilling encounter.

"We have a young team with world-class all rounders. The boys are in good form; had some good sessions on the net and we hope to come on top."