Kotambi stadium key flashpoint in BCA polls

Vadodara: After a gap of 16 years, Vadodara recently hosted a one-day international (ODI) at the Kotambi International Cricket Stadium. While the venue drew praise from cricketers and BCCI administrators for its facilities, it has now emerged as a key flashpoint in the Baroda Cricket Association (BCA) elections.The Royal Satyamev Jayate Group (RSJG) has accused the Revival Group, led by Pranav Amin, of mismanaging the project and overspending on the stadium's construction. RSJG candidates alleged that the stadium could have been built for Rs 100 crore, but the Revival Group spent over Rs 360 crore.
"We have demanded full transparency, including details of the tender process and the audit report of the stadium," said Jatin Vakil, who is contesting for the joint secretary's post on the RSJG panel.The RSJG also raised concerns over the lack of a proper approach road to the stadium and alleged that the quality of wickets at Kotambi is substandard. "Why did it take them eight long years to build the stadium? We understand that such projects can face delays, but the BCA management took an unusually long time," Vakil added.The Revival Group, however, rejected all allegations and maintained that Kotambi is among the finest stadiums in the world. Amin and BCA presidential candidate Kiran More said the project was executed without any mismanagement. "The stadium successfully hosted an ODI and was appreciated by players as well as BCCI officials. It is a matter of pride for Vadodara, but opponents are raising such issues to malign our image," More said.The Revival Group further alleged that some RSJG members had attempted to prevent Vadodara from getting an ODI by spreading misinformation about the stadium's safety. Amin criticised such efforts during a recent gathering of Revival Group supporters.