ISL 2024-25: Pitch concerns loom large over Kerala Blasters-Odisha FC clash

Kerala Blasters' woes do not seem to be ending any time soon. Languishing at the ninth position of the ISL2024-25 points table, and the absence of a head coach, the Kerala side are up against Odisha FC today on a pitch that, they say, is in a far-from-ideal condition.

The Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (JLN Stadium) in Kochi—the home ground of the Kerala Blasters—played host to a mass Bharatnatyam event on January 29, which left the field severely damaged, the club said in a statement.

“Extensive footprints caused damage to the grass resulting in patches of damaged turf. Undulations have formed across the surface, compromising the evenness of the ground and the drainage line has been damaged due to the movement of caravans on the field,” the club said.

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The JLN Stadium, which is owned by GCDA, was rented out to Mridanga Vision for the dance event. The NOC clearance from the club was given on the condition that no intervention would be made into the field of play.

The rectification is expected to cost around Rs 16 lakh, and is likely to be completed only in February. But, the match between Blasters and NorthEast United on January 18 is set to played as scheduled. The pitch damage due to non-sporting events has played a role in players being injured in the past.

Kerala Blasters have notified the GCDA about the damage to the pitch and have requested them to ask the event organisers to cover the cost of rectifying the pitch.

The Blasters are also facing the ire of their fans group Manjappada, who have been protesting against the Hyderabad-based management on a host of issues that have led to a dismal campaign this season. Prime among them have been the club's inability to sign quality domestic players. The setting up of a Fan Advisory Board, too, has not allayed the concerns of the supporters.

Also, some of the promising young talents in the team like Vibin Mohanan, Azhar and Aimen have been struggling with injuries, leading to doubts over the club's injury management.

Manjappada has appealed to its members to join a protest today near the JLN Stadium ahead of the kick-off.