Andhra Cricket Association announced free entry for fans on the opening day of the second Test

The Andhra Cricket Association (ACA) announced free entry for fans on the opening day of the second Test between India and England on Wednesday and if everything goes well gates will be open for fans on all days.

ACA secretary says

“This will be the first ever Test match in the history of Andhra Cricket. We want to see the stadium full but due to security reasons we cannot go ahead with the plan. However, anybody can enter if there is a free entry. We will initiate and see how it goes on day one and if possible we might do so in the remaining days,” the ACA secretary G Gangaraju said.

The tickets sales have been severely affected due to the Indian government’s demonetisation decision but Gangaraju, hoping , that at least 10000 fans would turn up in the 28,000 capacity stadium.

The audience will include about 5,000 school children who will be brought in from different parts of the city, he said.

Describing it as one of the biggest moments for Andhra Cricket Association, former India wicketkeeper MSK Prasad, the chairman of national selectors, said,”This is the biggest day since the establishment of Andhra Cricket Association in 1953.”

“The efforts of every person right from CK Nayudu to Gangaraju will be paid off. This journey has been outstanding. Tomorrow is D-Day for the ACA,” he stated.

Stadium will officially gain the Test status

The venue will formally be accorded the Test status after Andhra Pradesh chief minister Chandrababu Naidu unveils a plaque ahead of the Test followed by a felicitation ceremony of former India players who are now a part of the commentary team.

This match will be the first ever Test match venue which has had a memorable year during which it hosted one T20I, one ODI and six IPL matches of last season at a very short notice.

“We hosted the IPL matches on a 10 days notice when matches had to be shifted here because of the water crisis in Maharashtra,” Prasad added.

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