Jamshedpur’s famed College Ground will be spruced up by experts soon, courtesy a deal struck between its custodians and Jharkhand State Cricket Association (JSCA) on Tuesday to ensure that the popular venue can be used to promote cricket.

Jharkhand State Cricket Association (JSCA) signed a 20-year lease agreement with Jamshedpur Co-operative College for using the ground situated near XLRI. As per the agreement, signed by JSCA president Nafiz Akhtar Khan and Jamshedpur Co-operative College principal Prof V.K. Singh, the greens will witness a major turnaround after it is prepared and managed by JSCA as per Board of Control for Cricket in India BCCI) standards.

“Unavailability of grounds has always been a challenge and hindrance for us while organising domestic matches. Availability of the College Ground will help us conduct matches and promote the game in Jharkhand,” said JSCA joint secretary Rajiv Badhan.

JSCA had been struggling to find an additional venue for some years now to ensure the smooth conduct of local tournaments, including JSCA league and inter-school events.

The JSCA has been dependent on Keenan Stadium, Telco ground and Shaheed Nirmal Mahto Stadium in Uliyan, Kadma, for conducting local tournaments. The landmark Keenan, an international venue till 2006, was used for hosting BCCI matches, including Ranji Trophy.

Sources revealed that the state cricket association has plans to construct dressing rooms for the convenience of players at the College Ground. “The dressing room plan was on for some years now, but it did not materialise in the absence of a lease agreement with the college,” one of the sources said.

Cricketers were naturally appreciative of the move. “It’s a much-needed move taken by the ISCA. College Ground has become another playing venue for us. BCCI matches can also be conducted once the venue is spruced up. The venue would now be managed in a professional manner,” said Vishal Kumar who plays JSCA B-division league for a club.