Sachin Pavilion in Kochi’s Nehru Stadium in shambles

Kochi (Kerala), June 17 (IANS) The much hyped Sachin Pavilion at the prestigious Greater Cochin Development Authority’s (GCDA) Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium that was inaugurated with much fanfare by the then India cricket team captain M. S.Dhoni on November 20, 2013 is lying in shambles today.

When it was opened, India’s iconic sporting personality Sachin Tendulkar had gifted his jersey, a signed bat and a ball that he had used.

But today the pavilion is in bad condition and no one has any clue of the whereabouts of the memorabilia. Even BCCI Joint Secretary Jayesh George has expressed surprise at the state of affairs.

This dedication to Tendulkar was a joint venture between the Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) and the GCDA which owns the stadium.

Things started to change ever since the local ISL team Kochi Blasters made the ground as their home venue.

The 1,000 sq ft area then had has numerous pictures of the great Indian cricketer which included one with Don Bradman and another one with Brain Lara. Tendulkar’s childhood pictures were also on display in the pavilion.

In a record 463 ODI matches, Tendulkar has two five-wicket hauls and both came at this ground. He has picked up 154 wickets in ODIs from here.

–IANS

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