WT20: DDCA to seek culture minister Mahesh Sharma's help

The beleaguered DDCA officials have decided to approach Union Tourism and Culture Minister Mahesh Sharma to get permission for using 2000 vantage seats located in the Old Pavilion Stand at Feroz Shah Kotla Ground

New Delhi: The beleaguered DDCA officials have decided to approach Union Tourism and Culture Minister Mahesh Sharma to get permission for using 2000 vantage seats located in the Old Pavilion Stand at Feroz Shah Kotla Ground.

Mahesh Sharma. Pic/PTI

That The Old Pavilion area comes under Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)and DDCA does not have clearance to use those 2000 seats although the media box located in the same zone can be used by the journalists. Since ASI falls under Sharma's ministry ---Tourism and Culture, the DDCA will approach him today.

In fear of losing 2000 prime seats, a wary ICC had written to Justice (Retd) Mukul Mudgal, who is the observer for the faction-ridden association. ICC's primary concern is that covering the seats with black clothing makes a terrible viewing on television and a negative response comes from the sponsors.

"Yes, ICC has written a letter to me and I have forwarded that to the DDCA. They have to now take up the issue with relevant authorities," Mudgal told PTI yesterday.

DDCA treasurer Ravinder Manchanda said that the officials will be meeting Minister Mahesh Sharma.

"We would be seeking co-operation from Mahesh Sharma ji as the relevant clearances will come from his ministry. Since we will be hosting a high-profile semi-final (March 30), the ASI clearance is necessary as those 2000 seats are the best in the stadium," Manchanda said.

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