Kolkata: The Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) has turned down an offer from the BCCI to host the second Test between India and New Zealand in November, citing ongoing construction work as the reason.
The BCCI bosses had offered the CAB the second Test after the UP Cricket Association, which was scheduled to organise the match at Kanpur's Green Park from November 12 to 16, cried off following dispute with the state government over the stadium use.
CAB officials deliberated over the BCCI offer before deciding against it. They reckoned that the Eden Gardens renovation work, which is already behind schedule, would have to be halted for almost one month in order to organise the Test match. They have, since conveyed their decision to the BCCI, which will now have to make a fresh allotment.
It's bad news for the city cricket fans, who will miss watching the Kiwis in action. Incidentally, New Zealand have not played a Test match at the Eden Gardens for almost four decades now. The Kiwis will play three Tests and five ODIs in November-December.