Greater Cochin Development Authority open to hosting non-sporting events in Kerala’s Kaloor stadium without damaging turf

The Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) may open the doors of the newly renovated Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium (JNIS) at Kaloor in Kochi, Kerala, to non-sporting events, albeit without damaging the freshly laid high-quality turf, GCDA chairman K. Chandran Pillai has said.

He was addressing a press conference along with the management of Kerala Blasters Football Club (KBFC) on Wednesday to announce that JNIS will host KBFC’s nine home matches scheduled between February 22 and May in the upcoming edition of Indian Super League (ISL).

Mr. Pillai explained that JNIS could accommodate non-sporting events by laying removable tiles over the turf, allowing sunlight to permeate and thereby protecting the turf. However, this would cost ₹8 crore, which is beyond the financial capacity of the GCDA. Although a similar proposal was included in the GCDA’s last Budget, it could not be pursued due to the lack of government response, he said.

The stadium was recently renovated by the Reporter Broadcasting Corporation (RBC), sponsor of the proposed visit of the World Cup-winning Argentina team led by Lionel Messi for an international friendly. The match, originally scheduled for November 25 last year, was later cancelled.

On Messi visit

But Mr. Pillai declined to categorically rule out the possibility of Messi and his team visiting in March, noting that the matter was “beyond his control”. He emphasised, however, that both the sponsor and the Kerala Sports Minister were “behind arranging” the visit.

He added that RBC would be eligible for “preferential treatment” in future events on “a case-by-case basis”, but any such arrangement would stop short of granting exclusive rights over the stadium, a demand once raised by the sponsor but firmly rejected.

GCDA is currently assessing the cost of renovation works carried out by the sponsor, taking into account material quality and rates. Detailing 13 different works completed, Mr. Pillai said that except for granular sub-base spreading in a few disputed areas and construction of the compound wall in another disputed stretch, all works have been finished. LED floodlights to replace halogen lights to ensure better visibility for high-quality broadcasting have already been procured by the sponsor and will be installed before the ISL season begins.

On safety concerns regarding international matches, Mr. Pillai said GCDA remains committed to complying with all FIFA and Asian Football Confederation (AFC) directives. Gas cylinders in restaurants operating around the stadium have been replaced with piped gas, addressing a major safety issue.

JNIS is likely to host an international friendly between India and Hong Kong on March 31, though subject to AFC inspection. Other offers are also under consideration, though too premature to announce. GCDA is exploring a revenue-sharing model to attract more matches, which would also boost the local economy.

Mr. Pillai further stated that GCDA will charge KBFC only ₹2 lakh per match this season, compared to ₹8.40 lakh last year, as a “one-time concession” granted at the request of the All India Football Federation (AIFF), citing the crisis faced by ISL and Indian football in general.