Cricket lovers will have the opportunity to play at a state-of-the-art stadium in about four months’ time. The National Cricket Ground at Belle Vue Harel is gradually taking shape and around 60 per cent of the work on the pitches is complete. The final landscaping is also being done to set up the net practice areas.
The cricket stadium, which will house one international and two junior cricket grounds, is being developed according to the necessary standards to host local and international tournaments. Covering 14 acres of land, the stadium which will require a total investment of around Rs 30 million, is an initiative of the Federation of Cricket Clubs (FCC).
The government has played a crucial role in the development of this sport on the island. The land for the development has been provided by the state.
Minister of Youth and Sports Devanand Ritoo is confident that cricket will have its place in the country.
He said, “Mauritius is the only Commonwealth country where cricket is not really popular and we want it to be part of the 106 cricket nations in the world. As Mauritius is surrounded by many countries where cricket is played, it has an ideal geographical location.”
The project consists of two phases. The first one comprises the three cricket grounds, a four-bay practice area, pavilion, changing rooms, grounds men’s shed along with an access road, car parking and fencing. Phase two will comprise the main stadium including a clubhouse building which will house the FCC and Indoor Cricket School with training facilities for members.
The second phase will be more like a recreational centre with a multipurpose hall, gymnasium, junior swimming pool, squash courts, restaurant and a fitness centre.
The project’s architect, Ajit Teelock, informed that 70 per cent of the grass-laying on the main playing zone has been completed.
“The pitches made of clay are yet to be completed. We are also in the process of building the changing rooms. Within three to four months, people can start playing cricket here.”
With the existing cordial relations among various foreign cricket federations, the SSR National Cricket Grounds Trust can benefit from expertise of coaches to teach youngsters.
FCC president Ali Parkar said that the cricket stadium will allow children to learn, practice and play cricket during the week.
“We want all secondary schools to get registered. Training by professional cricketers from India and South Africa will be provided to the students five days a week and we will also provide them with transport after training sessions,” he added.