TNCA enters into new lease for Chennai's MA Chidambaram stadium, three stands to be made operational again, say sources

Chennai: The Tamil Nadu Cricket Association will get possession of the iconic MA Chidambaram stadium as it has entered into a new lease agreement with the state government, association sources said on Thursday. 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. [caption id=“attachment_7686771” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] A general view of the MA Chidambaram Stadium. Sportzpics[/caption] The lease agreement was handed over to TNCA on Thursday, the sources said. The earlier lease had expired in 2015. The TNCA would approach the Madras High Court and efforts would be made to get the stands operational for the coming India-West Indies ODI to be played on 15 December, they said adding if not they would be ready for next year’s IPL The three stands (I, J, and K with a combined capacity of over 12,000) have been closed for the last eight years owing to various issues, depriving the city the opportunity to host matches at various events including the World T20 in 2016 and the IPL final earlier this year. 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.