Railways ground at Cuttack may host some women`s WC ties

Mumbai: The Railways-owned ground at Cuttack has emerged as a likely venue to host some games in the ICC Women`s World Cup, beginning here on January 31.

"We have found out an alternative venue. And we are thinking of hosting the matches at the Railways ground (in Cuttack). Orissa Cricket Association and the State Government are both ready for that," BCCI vice-president Rajiv Shukla said here today. "I have told Ministry of Railways that the venue should be provided so matches could be hosted there. This problem will be resolved and matches would take place in Odisha," the IPL chairman said. "It needs to be a safe ground," added Shukla, who is also a Union Minister. Cuttack was selected to host Pakistan`s World Cup matches after the Shiv Sena threatened that it would oppose ties involving the neighbouring country in Mumbai. All the matches in Group B, in which Pakistan is placed along with Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, were then shifted to Cuttack`s Barabati Stadium and DRIEMS Stadium on the city`s outskirts. Shukla parried queries over the venue for the knockout games, scheduled to be held in Mumbai, if Pakistan advances. "When we come to the bridge, we will cross it." An ICC source revealed today that holding matches at DRIEMS ground "was not feasible" and the Railways ground emerged as a likely venue. "The knockout games involving Pakistan would have to be held in Cuttack only," the source said, adding the Railways ground "has very basic facilities". PTI