The Greater Cochin Development Authority has signed an agreement with the Sports Kerala Foundation to renovate the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium in Kaloor, Kochi. | Photo credit: THULASI KAKKAT
Two deals have been inked for the renovation of the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium in Kaloor, Kochi, ahead of the now-cancelled international friendly against world champions Argentina led by Lionel Messi, which was originally scheduled for the 17th.
The Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) has signed an agreement with the Sports Kerala Foundation (SKF), a non-profit organization registered under Section 8 of the Companies Act and functioning under the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs, chaired by the Sports Minister. Through this agreement, the stadium was handed over to SKF for renovation. In return, SKF entered into a separate contract with Reporter Broadcasting Corporation (RBC) to carry out renovations in accordance with FIFA standards, with a commitment to return the stadium undamaged by 30 November.
Sources at SKF confirmed the arrangement and clarified that the agreement only exists between SKF and RBC and that the sponsor has not signed any contract directly with GCDA. RBC CEO Anto Augustine also confirmed this when he spoke to the media outside the stadium on Monday (October 27, 2025) afternoon.
Mr Augustine said the renovation work would continue as planned and that the stadium would be handed back to the GCDA as agreed. He added that once the match is confirmed, an application will be made to the state government and GCDA for permission to host it at the stadium. Although they claim that the match is likely to be played in the next FIFA window in March, there is no confirmation about it yet.
The role of the private entity
Ambiguity has persisted from the outset over the nature of the stadium deal, particularly as questions remain about the involvement of a private entity in the renovation of a public asset. Since its inauguration in 1996, the stadium has been a landmark in Kerala’s sporting landscape, having hosted international cricket matches, Indian Premier League matches and FIFA Under-17 World Cup matches, in addition to serving as the home ground of Indian Super League (ISL) team Kerala Blasters FC. With the ISL season set to begin in December, concerns remain over whether the stadium will be ready in time.
Published – 27 Oct 2025 16:36 IST
