Dilip Vengsarkar says Mumbai can host Under-19 games against England

With Tamil Nadu Cricket Association expressing its inability to host next month’s India Under-19 games against their England counterparts, former India captain Dilip Vengsarkar feels these matches should be shifted and hosted in this metropolis.

As a former captain of India, I feel that if TNCA is unable to host the Under-19 games against England, Mumbai can host it as it has more international venues than any other city in India, the ex-chief selector told PTI today.

TNCA has cited cyclone Vardah, its after-effects and its own domestic cricket schedule as reasons for it not having sufficient fit-enough grounds to host the games against England for a fortnight at the M A Chidambaram Stadium in Chepauk.

Vengsarkar, who played 116 Tests for India and has the distinction of scoring three back-to-back hundred as at Lords in England, also wanted Mumbai as the reserve venue if Hyderabad CA is unable to hold the one-off India-Bangladesh Test match, which is also scheduled in February, for any reason.

Besides, Mumbai also could be counted as the back-up venue for the India - Bangladesh Test match if Hyderabad which is the original venue declines to host it, said the former skipper.

“I believe cricket should always be the priority. These matches are scheduled a long time ago and hosting them shouldn’t be a problem at all, Vengsarkar added.