Kochi: The planned extensive renovation of the Kaloor International Stadium in Kochi has been cast into serious doubt following the confirmed cancellation of the Argentina national football team’s visit to Kerala in November.
The renovation drive, which commenced in anticipation of Lionel Messi and his team’s arrival, included major works such as ripping up the entire external parking area and laying down metal, upgrading floodlights, and replacing seats. With the official announcement that the team will not be coming, there is now a high probability that these works will be halted.
This has raised concerns as the new Indian Super League (ISL) season is set to kick off soon. The Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) will now have to address the potential consequences if the crucial renovation work is left unfinished.
Sponsor’s Intentions Raise Questions
Meanwhile, the GCDA Chairman, K. Chandran Pillai, confirmed that the sponsor involved in the stadium upgrade had requested rights to the venue even after the proposed Argentina match.
The sponsor’s claims included immediately completing VVIP galleries, lighting, stadium strengthening, and external repairs, with the intention of using the venue for other international matches post-Argentina’s visit. There were also indications that the sponsor had approached the government seeking continued rights over the stadium.
Pillai, however, clarified that the GCDA had only given the stadium for a single match and that there was no other contract. He stressed that even though the match was cancelled, the renovation work would continue, and the GCDA remains the sole owner of the stadium.
