China helps build WC stadiums

Elmo Rodrigopulle

WORLD CUP: Good that China has taken to playing cricket. The International Cricket Council is endeavouring to promote the game by introducing it to as many countries as possible` and they have moved into China.

The Chinese have the flair and the determination to succeed in any endeavour. And if they can quickly learn the game of cricket, who knows could be a super power in the game before long.

Their interest in the game can be gauged by the fact that they have come to the aid of the West Indies who are conducting the current World Cup tournament.

The Chinese have used their expertise to reconstruct brand new stadiums in Grenada and Antigua.

The Chinese government a few days back promised President Mahinda Rajapaksa during his week long State visit to do everything possible to boost Sri Lanka's economic, trade, education, cultural and tourism sectors and one of the most important things - being the Hambantota Development Zone which includes harbour development, a bunkering system and tank farm.

The Chinese realising the importance of sport and the value of the World Cup cricket tournament in the West Indies have in partnership built the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua. The stadium has a capacity of accommodating 20,000 spectators. The stadium will conduct the Super 8 matches. This stadium was formerly called the Antigua Recreation ground.

This ground is situated midway between the airport and St. John's the capital. The building of this new stadium is reported to have cost $ 60 million.

The other stadium that was built in partnership with China is the Queen's Park in Grenada. This stadium has capacity of 20,000 and will see Super 8 matches being played there.

The West Indians will certainly say a big thank you to the Chinese for coming to their aid at the time of need.

The Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados will be the main attraction where the final and super 8 matches will be played. Even if it rains, the final scheduled for April 28 will not suffer because a drainage and irrigation system like in professional football grounds in Europe has been put in place.

Providence Stadium in Guyana with a capacity of 20,000 will host Super 8 matches. This stadium has been built with India's assistance.

Matches will also be played in Sabina Park, Kingston with a capacity of 21,000. The Cup opener between West Indies and Pakistan will be played here. Also the group stage and semifinal will be played here.

Also Group stage matches will be played in Warner Park, St. Kitts which has a capacity of 10,000, Beausejour Stadium in St. Lucia with a capacity of 20,000. Group stage and a semifinal will be played in this stadium, Queens Park Oval, Port of Spain with a capacity of 25,000. Group stage matches will be played here.