DDCA to rename Feroz Shah Kotla gate after Sehwag

After inviting former cricketers as special guests on the opening day of Delhi's Ranji Trophy season, the Delhi & Districts Cricket Association (DDCA) has now taken another step in its endeavour to recognise the services of former cricketers form the city.

The DDCA, under the administration of Justice Vikramjit Sen, has decided to rename Gate No. 2 of the Feroz Shah Kotla stadium as the 'Virender Sehwag' gate to honour the former India opener. The explosive batsman would be the first Delhi cricketer to receive the honour.

“The erstwhile management had, in recognition of Mr. Virender Sehwag's many accomplishments, promised to name Gate no. 2 as the ‘Virender Sehwag’ gate and I am giving effect to that promise. The unveiling of the gate is scheduled for October 31 at 12 p.m.. This is the first of many initiatives that are being implemented to recognise the contribution of cricketers who have richly contributed to the DDCA. A Committee has been formed to assess and recommend other stalwarts whose contribution should be reflected at various parts of the stadium,” Justice Sen said in a communique.

Sehwag, on his part, expressed happiness at the decision. “It's a nice beginning and I thank both Justice Sen and the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) for the initiative. They have done a wonderful job and finally there is recognition for cricketers at the Kotla. I also request Justice Sen to extend the invitation to all international players from Delhi on this occasion. I am happy it has started with me and I hope it will continue and there will be many more such honours,” he told Sportstar .

The five-member CAC was formed to look after the workings of the DDCA by Justice Sen and comprises Saba Karim, Madan Lal, Sunil Valson, Amita Sharma and G. S. Vivek. Incidentally, the former DDCA administration, under Justice Mukul Mudgal, had felicitated Sehwag and temporarily named the two bowling ends at the Kotla as the 309 and 319 ends -- in recognition of Sehwag's two triple centuries in Tests – during the 2015 Test against South Africa here.