Radhey Shyam returns as Kotla chief curator

Two days after the pitch fiasco that led to the abandonment of the fifth India-Sri Lanka one-dayer, the DDCA on Tuesday brought back old hand Radhey Shyam as the chief curator of Ferozeshah Kotla.

His appointment though will have to be ratified by the executive committee of the Delhi and District Cricket Association.

A top official said the DDCA AGM unanimously decided to appoint Radhey Shyam as chief curator.

Radhey Shyam, whose contract was not renewed after he developed differences with Daljit Singh, the chairman of now disbanded BCCI Pitches and Grounds Committee, said his challenge is to make the pitch ready for the IPL III in March-April.

"I have to make this pitch ready for IPL. Lots of work has to be done on this track. But I will start working in February. One month's time will be enough. Relaying the track at the start of season was the biggest mistake," he said.

The fifth and final ODI between India and Sri Lanka at Ferozeshah Kotla was abandoned after 23.3 overs on Sunday due to dangerous pitch which saw balls rising alarmingly.

Match Referee Alan Hurst, in his report to the International Cricket Council, has said that the pitch was "unfit" for an international match.

Following the report, the ICC has sought an explanation from BCCI to be furnished in two weeks before it decides on the punishment for the venue which may face a maximum ban of two years.