On Monday (16 Nov 2009), all roads will lead to Sardar Patel Gujarat Stadium at Motera in Ahmedabad where the first match of the India-Sri Lanka Test series will begin. Monday, however, will be memorable for another reason. Sachin Tendulkar begins his 21st year in international cricket with the match in Motera stadium on Monday.
Tendulkar will be felicitated on this historic occasion by chief minister Narendra Modi, not only on behalf of the state government but also in his capacity as president of the Gujarat Cricket Association.
"It is an honour for Amdavadis that Sachin is starting his 21st year in international cricket in their city," said a GCA official. "The chief minister himself will honour the sports icon."
The Motera stadium, meanwhile, has been converted into a security fortress. There is heavy security around the stadium and around the hotel as well where the cricketers are staying. "It is the heaviest security possible," said Amit Shah, state home minister, who is also the GCA vice-president.
As for the Test match that begins on Monday, India have won both the matches that they have played against the Emerald Islanders at Motera stadium earlier.
Amdavadis would like to forget the last Test match that India played at the stadium. In that match, India had confronted South Africa, in which the visitors won with a whole day to spare.
"This time, however, it looks very different, that's for sure," said India captain, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, after inspecting the pitch. "That's what we are predicting and hoping for. It's not really like the same wicket."
For Amdavadis, the five-day affair is the beginning of a cricket carnival in the city. A couple of matches of the Indian Premier League and an ODI against South Africa are to be played here in the first quarter of 2010.
