Published 16:19 IST, August 27th 2019
Delhi's Feroz Shah Kotla to be named Arun Jaitley Stadium as a tribute
DDCA on Tuesday decided to rechristen Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium as Arun Jaitley Stadium in the memory of its former president who passed away on Saturday
Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) on Tuesday decided to rechristen Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium as Arun Jaitley Stadium in the memory of its former president who passed away on Saturday. The renaming will take place on September 12 at a function where a stand at the Feroz Shah Kotla will be named after India captain Virat Kohli as announced earlier.
Speaking on this initiative, DDCA president Rajat Sharma said: "It was Arun Jaitley's support and encouragement that players like Virat Kohli, Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, Ashish Nehra, Rishabh Pant and many others could make India proud." Jaitley, during his tenure at DDCA, is credited with renovating the stadium into a modern facility, increasing its capacity to accommodate more fans besides constructing world-class dressing rooms.
The function, to be held on Sept 12 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, will be graced by the presence of Home Minister Amit Shah and Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju. However, DDCA has issued a clarification saying that the stadium has been named as Arun Jaitley Stadium, but the ground will continue to be called the Feroz Shah Kotla.
BCCI pays tribute to Arun Jaitley
Former Finance Minister Arun Jaitley passed away at the age of 66 on Saturday at the AIIMS Delhi. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Saturday paid tribute to Arun Jaitley, who was one of the longest-serving presidents of the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA). Taking to Twitter, the BCCI condoled the sad demise of the former Union Minister and said that it shared the pain and grief of his family.
Indian skipper Virat Kohli also took to Twitter and recalled Arun Jaitley's gesture in 2006 when the former Finance Minister visited his residence to pay condolences to his late father. Kohli expressed shock and sadness over the demise of Arun Jaitley.
'Virat Kohli Stand' at the stadium
As per news agency PTI, the DDCA has decided to name one stand at Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium after India captain Virat Kohli to his phenomenal success in international cricket. Bishan Singh Bedi and Mohinder Amarnath are the two other Delhi players who have stands after their names but the honour came their way after their retirements.
(With PTI inputs)
Updated 16:22 IST, August 27th 2019