Kotla ready to put a good show: Chauhan

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The Hindu

DDCA vice-president Chetan Chauhan.

The court also told the government not to withhold the ‘no objection certificate’ to the cricket body.

With the Delhi High Court clearing the decks for the fourth and final cricket Test between India and South Africa here, DDCA vice-president Chetan Chauhan on Thursday said the state association is ready to put up a good show at the Feroz Shah Kotla come December 3.

The final hurdle in the way was cleared on Thursday morning after the Delhi High Court asked the city government not to take coercive steps against DDCA till further orders with regard to the entertainment tax dues payable by it.

Of the Rs. 24.45 crore entertainment tax slapped by the government on the state body, the DDCA has been directed to deposit Rs. 1 crore in two instalments.

The court also told the government not to withhold the ‘no objection certificate’ to the cricket body.

“We are thankful to the judiciary for taking a positive step for the cricket lovers of the capital. We will now put all our energies towards hosting a successful game,” a jubilant Chauhan told PTI after the conclusion of the court hearing.

“We have already started the work of the match. On behalf of the committee, I would like to thank everybody who worked hard to make this happen and we will organise a good game,” the former India cricketer said.

This comes a day after the HC had directed the MCD to issue a provisional occupancy certificate to DDCA for hosting the international game. The state association had already ran out of time to get clearances before the November 17 deadline set by BCCI.

The Indian board though waited for the court orders before finalising the host venue for the final game. Chauhan insists that DDCA will be transparent in its dealings.

“Balance sheet for 2013-14 has been sent to the BCCI, which will be audited by their own CA. Everything will be transparent as always,” said Chauhan.

The DDCA had moved HC Tuesday with a plea seeking a direction to South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) over issuing a provisional occupancy certificate. The court did direct the MCD to provide a POC to the state association but also appointed Justice Mukul Mudgal to oversee the affairs of the international match.

Chauhan welcomed Mudgal into the DDCA’s organisational team.

“We will certainly use his wisdom and we as a team are looking forward to work under his supervision and guidance. The first organisation committee meeting will probably happen tomorrow,” he said.