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Sawai Mansingh Stadium, JAIPUR |
Come this winter, the cricketing world will get a taste of
Indian royalty as the Sawai Mansingh Stadium has been picked
as one of the venues for the 2006 ICC Champions Trophy.
The Sawai Mansingh Stadium hosted its first international
match in 1983. Though, it is situated in the Pink City
(Jaipur), the Sawai Mansingh Stadium hasn’t had many colourful
moments. The first Test match on this ground was played in
1987 between India and Pakistan - a game that was witnessed by
Pakistan's President General Zia-ul-Haq. The Test ended in a
draw but it aroused controversy as Pakistan objected to the
alleged use of sawdust on the wicket. Unfortunately, that
proved to be the first and only Test at the Mansingh Stadium.
Poor management and lack of facilities resulted in Jaipur not
getting too many ODIs. It nearly ran the risk of losing its
international status after it didn't host any international
game between 1999 and 2005. However, a shift in power brought
about a shift in fortunes too for the Sawai Mansingh Stadium.
Businessman Lalit Modi tamed the incumbent Kishen Rungta to
take the reigns of Rajasthan cricket in his hands. Within few
months of his appointment, Modi brought international cricket
back to Jaipur as it hosted a thrilling ODI between India and
Sri Lanka. While the home side celebrated a memorable win, the
RCA (Rajasthan Cricket Association) officials drew praises
from all quarters for the stark improvement at the venue. The
RCA officials have now been rewarded for their efforts with
Jaipur getting six matches for the ICC Champions Trophy and
for the first time in history, Jaipur fans will witness a
mouth-watering clash between Ashes rivals Australia and
England
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MATCHES AT THE VENUE |
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Date |
Match |
Stage |
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October 11, 2006 |
West Indies v Bangladesh |
Preliminary |
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October 13, 2006 |
Bangladesh v Zimbabwe |
Preliminary |
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October 15, 2006 |
India v England |
Group Stage |
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October 17, 2006 |
Pakistan v Q1 |
Group Stage |
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October 21, 2006 |
Australia v England |
Group Stage |
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November 02, 2006 |
Yet to be decided |
2nd Semi-Final | |
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