SRK-Juhi to develop cricket stadium

Updated on: 19 April,2011 08:11 AM IST |
Shaheen Parkar |

Juhi Chawla, hubby Jai Mehta join hands with Shah Rukh Khan to develop a cricket stadium in Porbandar

Juhi Chawla, hubby Jai Mehta join hands with Shah Rukh Khan to develop a cricket stadium in Porbandar

Juhi Chawla and her husband Jai Mehta along with Shah Rukh Khan have launched an ambitious plan to build a cricket stadium in Porbandar, Gujarat.

The reason why Mahatma Gandhi's birthplace has been selected is because Jai's family has roots there as well.
The Kolkata Knight Riders owners plan to take over the existing Duleep cricket ground in the city and build a state-of-the-art stadium to be named after Nanji Kalidas Mehta -- Jai's grandfather -- in itsu00a0 place. The Mehtas also have other business interests in the vicinity of Porbandar.

Apart from adding another venue to Gujarat's cricket itinerary, it is also being viewed as a centre where the KKR team can have training camps.

Says a source, "The local district cricket association and Mehta Sports Private Limited recently inked a deal to build the Nanji Kalidas Mehta stadium at a cost of almost Rs 10 crore."

Adds the source, "They have decided on a three-tiered approach. First they plan to make at least 12 pitches, then the dressing rooms and finally the stands. UK-based David Hemstock Associates will develop the outfield and dressing rooms."

The stars remained unavailable for comment but Ranchodbhai Shiyal, president, Porbandar District Cricket Association, confirmed that plans to develop the stadium by the KKR owners were underway.