ICC encouraged by World Cup stadium progress

Eden Gardens should still be able to host three World Cup matches after an International Cricket Council inspection team was encouraged by progress at the ground.

The iconic Kolkata stadium, which holds in excess of 100,000 people, lost the right to host the high-profile group match between co-hosts India and England on February 27 after ICC officials decided renovation work would not be completed in time.

While that was the flagship fixture for the ground it also had three other matches - Ireland's matches against South Africa and Holland as well as Kenya versus Zimbabwe - on March 15, 18 and 20.

The Eden Gardens team was given extra time to prove those games should still go ahead as planned and the signs are positive.

Following the latest inspection, ICC chief executive Haroon Lorgat said: "We are pleased with the progress made since January 25 and if that pace of work is maintained, we believe that the stadium will be ready for the games scheduled in March."

The India versus England match has been moved to Bangalore.