Eden Gardens unable to host New Zealand Test

The BCCI will have to look for some other alternative to hold India's second Test match during the New Zealand Tour as Cricket Association of Bengal expressed its inability to host the rubber.

CAB said they could not accept BCCI's offer due to renovation work being done at the Eden Gardens for the 2011 World Cup. The match was originally allotted to Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association but they also expressed inability to host it.

"The second Test from November 12 to 16 will cannot be held here due to the renovation work. BCCI approached CAB for hosting the Test match after UPCA informed them about their inability to organise the same," chairman of CAB stadium committee Chitrak Mitra told reporters.

"Renovation work would have to be stopped for some time if the BCCI's proposal was accepted. This is impossible as the stadium has to be ready for hosting World Cup matches," he said.

Eden will host four matches - India vs England on February 27, Ireland vs South Africa on March 15, Ireland vs Netherlands on March 18 and Kenya vs Zimbabewe on March 20.

International Cricket Council's chief pitch consultant Andy Atkinsons and his deputy David Eugene, who visited Eden Gardens on September 10, have urged CAB to speed up the renovation work.

An ICC team will visit Eden Gardens on December 8 for final inspection. Eden last hosted a Test match between India and New Zealand in 1965, which ended in a draw. The Kiwis are scheduled to play three Test matches and five ODIs in India during November-December.