MCI damages cricket infrastructure of two grounds in capital

Islamabad

The Metropolitan Corporation of Islamabad (MCI) on Friday destroyed cricket infrastructure at two grounds as part of its plans to take over nine developed grounds in the federal capital.

The enforcement personnel of the MCI and Capital Development Authority (CDA) dug out cricket pitches, grounds, broke fences and steel nets at grounds located in sectors G-9 and G-10.

The MCI had started its campaign against cricket grounds being run by the local clubs who are responsible for maintenance of facilities, from National Cricket Ground sector F-7 allegedly due to differences between the club president and a close of aide of Islamabad mayor, a charge which the Chief Metropolitan Officer of MCI had denied.

A cricket official of Islamabad said the MCI and CDA personnel led by their officers played havoc with the players dressing rooms while breaking steel nets and digging out pitches there. “The operation is being launched at a time when Quaid-e-Azam Trophy cricket matches are being played at different cricket grounds of Islamabad,” he said.

An official of MCI, however, had admitted that there are no professional people in MCI or CDA who could maintain and run the cricket grounds in Islamabad.

The residents of the federal capital have also strongly condemned the MCI action.

Muhammad Asif, a resident of Sector G-9 who was standing outside the Margalla Cricket Ground said the cricket lovers have been watching matches at these ground for years but operation against cricket facilities by the city’s managers was not understandable.

Another citizen, Muhammad Akhtar said instead of destroying cricket facilities in Islamabad, the MCI and CDA should focus on maintenance of public parks and other recreational facilities

A spokesman for MCI, however, said the grounds have been in illegal possession and the MCI would retrieve all the nine grounds from occupants. “We will open all the grounds for the general public free of cost,” he said.

The spokesman said the ground in sector G-10 being run by the Junoon Cricket Club, was raised on the greenbelt and that was why the operation was launched there. He said the MCI, itself would operate and maintain cricket grounds.