Kanpur: The Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA) is focusing on developing its own infrastructure and diverting maximum funds towards building stadiums, BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla said after the association’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Wednesday.Talking to TOI, Shukla said the Varanasi stadium was almost ready, while construction work in Ghaziabad was progressing at a fast pace.Regarding the Varanasi stadium, Shukla said UPCA would organise local matches before hosting BCCI tournaments to assess the ground conditions and the quality of the wicket. If everything was found satisfactory, the venue could also host Women’s Premier League matches.He further disclosed that UPCA was considering an agreement with Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University (CSJMU) for the use of its cricket ground, with discussions currently underway.Asked why UPCA was not planning its own stadium in Kanpur, he said the city already had the historic Green Park Stadium, which was available to the association under a long-standing memorandum of understanding (MoU). Besides, Ekana Stadium was also available in the vicinity. He said the Varanasi and Ghaziabad projects were currently on track.On the Ethics Officer’s report concerning a BCCI-affiliated unit, Shukla said the Deoria unit and its secretary had been suspended following reported irregularities. However, keeping the interests of cricketers from the district in mind, they had been attached to the Ghazipur unit. Their trials and other cricket-related activities would now be conducted through Ghazipur.Expressing satisfaction over the successful organisation of the fourth edition of the UP T20 League, Shukla congratulated Sanjay Kapoor for his dedication and efforts. UPCA president Nidhipat Singhania, other office-bearers, CEO Ankit Chatterjee and several other members were present at the AGM.
