Azhar returns to his happy hunting ground

Updated on: 18 April,2011 07:10 AM IST |
Agni Pandey |

The Eden Gardens had a surprise visitor yesterday, and it was none other than it's favourite player, former Indian captain Mohammed Azharuddin

The Eden Gardens had a surprise visitor yesterday, and it was none other than it's favourite player, former Indian captain Mohammed Azharuddin.

Azharuddin, a Member of Parliament now and touring Bengal for an election campaign, took time from his busy schedule to visit his happy hunting ground to watch the IPL match between Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals.

In the seven Tests he played at this venue, Azharuddin scored 860 runs with five hundreds including his career best of 182, against England in 1993. He averaged 107.50 here while his career figures were 45.03.

Azharuddin was impressed by the new-look Eden. "It is still the best ground in the world, no doubt about that. This is heaven," he said.

On KKR's performance, he said: "They have played well this year. I hope they will go all the way this year. My best wishes to them."

Prices reduced
The KKR management seemed to have learnt their lessons. After seeing the half-filled stands for the previous match against Deccan Chargers last week, KKR slashed the ticket prices for the clash against Royals. And that did the trick as the Eden Gardens witnessed better attendance yesterday.

The ticket prices were reduced by more than 50 per cent in some cases. For instance, a 'J' Block ticket that cost Rs 1800 earlier was sold for Rs 800.

Cricket Association of Bengal officials put the attendance yesterday at approximately 45,000, whereas only 20,000 turned up last week.

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels