IND vs ENG: Rajkot Stadium To Be Named After Niranjan Shah Ahead Of Third Test

Ahead of the third Test between India and England, the Saurashtra Cricket Association (SCA) Stadium in Rajkot will be named after former first-class cricketer and administrator Niranjan Shah. The stadium in Khandheri will be rechristened as Niranjan Shah Stadium on the eve of the third Test between India and England, starting here on February 15, a SCA media release said.

“Most significant and valued contribution of Niranjan Shah to the cricket of the region as well as at National and International levels must be very befittingly well acknowledged," it added.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Secretary Jay Shah will inaugurate the new name of the stadium. The first-ever international match in Rajkot was played in January 2013 and the venue has hosted 11 international fixtures so far across formats.

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Niranjan has been one of the most senior cricket administrators in the country and has also played 12 first-class games for Saurashtra from mid-1960s to mid-1970s. The veteran holds a stronghold in the local cricket governing body where his son Jaydev Shah, former Saurashtra captain and IPL player, serves as the president.

As per media reports, India and England teams will be invited to attend the event on the eve of the match. BCCI office-bearers and state association members will also be invited.

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India won the second Test by 106 runs in Visakhapatnam to level the series 1-1. The hosts are yet to name the squad for the remainder of the series with Virat Kohli, KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja expected to return to the side.

On the other hand, England have moved to their pre-tour base in Abu Dhabi to spend some relaxing time after the first two Tests of the series.

The third Test between India and England will commence on February 15.