Only Wankhede to host Test, ODI: MCA joint secretary

Acknowledging that there was a suggestion to shift next month's scheduled Test against the West Indies to D Y Patil Stadium, Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) joint secretary Nitin Dalal, on Tuesday, said that the match would be held at the Wankhede Stadium only.

"There has been some lobbying to shift the Test match between India and the West Indies tentatively scheduled for November 22 to 26 to D Y Patil Stadium. But it is not one man's (MCA vice president and D Y Patil Stadium's director Vijay Patil) decision or even the MCA managing committee's decision. It will be the wish of the 329 affiliated clubs that would prevail as we are answerable to them," Dalal said.

"Both the ODI (against England on October 23) and the Test (against the West Indies) will be held at the Wankhede Stadium only. Why have we constructed this modern facility? To give away our right to others?" Dalal asked.

He also pointed out that corporates have bought special boxes (59 in all) at the Wankhede Stadium for watching international games.

"What do we tell them? They don't want to go to Navi Mumbai," he said.

MCA sources also dismissed concerns about the shadows of the light towers falling on the pitch late in the afternoon and said there are solutions to this problem.

"We don't think this is a problem and solutions are there if there is one. Lights can be switched on at these times," they said.

Wankhede Stadium hosted the high-profile World Cup final between India and Sri Lanka on April 2, a day-night encounter, and the shadows that crept on the pitch did not pose any problem then.

Meanwhile, the Cricket Board has not yet finalised the West Indies tour itinerary (November-December) but MCA is certain to host one of the three Test matches.

According to BCCI sources, the itinerary has been held up as the venues for the five ODI matches were not yet finalised.

"It will be done in the next 7-10 days," they said.

West Indies are scheduled to arrive straight from Bangladesh after the conclusion of their tour to India's eastern neighbours on November 2.