Three closed stands at Chepauk might be opened before Windies ODI

After almost eight years, Chennai’s Chepauk Stadium might witness a full house for the India-West Indies ODI which is on December 15th.

The stands (I, J, K) remains closed due to various discrepancies between the Municipal corporation and TNCA. Now, it looks like TNCA has entered a new lease.

The lease was for a period of 21 years and this would start the process of getting the three closed stands at the stadium opened. The lease agreement was handed over to TNCA on Thursday, the sources said. The earlier lease had expired in 2015.

The stands were closed as the city Corporation said there was insufficient setback space between them and the Madras Cricket Club (MCC).

Though MCC had agreed to a proposal to demolish its gym to create the required setback space, it could not be done as the ground’s lease to TNCA and MCC had ended in 2015.
Renewal of the lease would set in motion the process for the work, paving way for reopening of the closed stands in due course.
As per the new lease, TNCA will pay the state government the arrears it owes, the sources added.

Now, TNCA would try to push the issue and would make sure to get things set at least for the next year’s IPL.