HYDERABAD, Nov 13: People of Hyderabad are being deprived of a cricket ground as the district government has decided to use it for other recreational purposes.

The PCB Regional Academy ground was established at a cost of Rs3 million. It had a turf wicket and side pitches and was the only ground available for first class and club matches as the Niaz Stadium was taken over by the PCB.

The ground falls in the premises of the Rani Bagh. On Monday night, the outfield of the ground was completely dug up with heavy machinery.

The district government wants to build four lawns with fountains and a walking track as part of the renovation project of Rani Bagh.

The District Cricket Association deplored the way the ground was destroyed.

Cricket associations’ sources said several meetings with the district nazim proved futile, who was adamant to go ahead with the renovation project.

There is a need for another cricket ground to be provided to youngsters of the city.

“We are ready to give another space to the PCB if it wants to develop cricket grounds,” the nazim concluded.