ICC approves Ranchi stadium

The ICC has approved the newly constructed HEC International Stadium in Ranchi, which will host its first international match on January 19 - the third ODI between India and England. The ICC inspection team, headed by David Boon, inspected the stadium a fortnight ago and was satisfied with the facilities, security and location. A three-member ECB team also visited the venue on Thursday and gave it a green signal.

Ranchi is the hometown of MS Dhoni, the India captain. The ground is yet to host a first-class or List A game.

"The ICC had given the green signal to hold the ODI four days ago. The last time Jharkhand had hosted an ODI was in 2006 against England (in Jamshedpur)," Jharkhand State Cricket Association (JSCA) president Amitabh Choudhary said. "And there is every possibility of Dhoni leading India on his home soil for the first time."