By INVERA ARJOON Tuesday, October 13 2009

STAR BATSMAN Brian Lara says that despite cost overruns and delays, he does not intend to have his name removed from the controversial Brian Lara Stadium being built in Tarouba by mega-state entity Udecott.

Speaking following the launch of the Bunty Lara age group table tennis tournament at the Sport Outlet in Gulf City Mall, San Fernando, Lara said he was excited about the stadium and cannot wait for it to be completed. Responding to calls from different quarters including Opposition Senator Wade Mark that his name should be removed from the stadium, Lara said: “I know that’s a lot of people’s opinion but deep down inside I want to see the stadium completed.”

When asked about the numerous delays in completion of the stadium, Lara said he was not privy to the particulars. “But five years ago, I told the Prime Minister I wanted to see an academy where our youths can have the opportunity to harness talent in a correct environment. That is still my dream. I know what I want to see out there and I know it will come to fruition.”

On the issue of the cricket match announced by Prime Minister Patrick Manning to be held at the stadium during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in November, Lara said the particulars of that are not known and it is not 100 percent confirmed.

“So it is difficult to comment, everyone is looking forward to the stadium being completed and I am also excited about that.” On June 30, Prime Minister Patrick Manning at a visit to the San Fernando Girls’ Government Primary School, said the Brian Lara Stadium should be completed in time for CHOGM.

“In fact, what we plan to do on the occasion of CHOGM is to hold some kind of cricket match, I propose to enter into discussions with Brian Lara on this matter very soon, a Brian Lara 20/20 vs some other team,” Manning said on June 30.

The cricketing icon who holds the world record for the highest score in a Test innings (400 not out) said he is still planning on visiting the families of those who perished in the tragic mosquito creek accident on August 15. The victims were on their way to watch a cricket match at the Queen’s Park Oval in which Lara featured.