Date:20/10/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/10/20/stories/2008102056381900.htm

Sport - Cricket

‘Win over spectators’

Mohali: Punjab Cricket Association president, I.S. Bindra said the lack of facilities for the paying public was one of the reasons for the low specatator turn-out for the onging Test here.

“Why should somebody come here to watch a Test match when he or she can see it from the comfort of the drawing room? We will have to get the spectators back for Test matches,” he said.

The low turn-out for Test, he said, would impact everyone. “I admit we have not been very spectator friendly. The State associations will have to accept this as a challenge,” he added.

A pavilion block and covered stands will come up here in time for the 2011 World Cup.

Mr. Bindra revealed the TRP rating for the India-Australia Test series was still high, indicating that it was being followed on television.