KOLKATA, Oct. 30: With renovation of the stands being the focus before World Cup 2011, the Eden Gardens was also subjected to suggestions from an International Cricket Council after a 13-member delegation, headed by Federation of International Cricketers’ Association chief executive Tim May, visited the venue on Friday to inspect of its infrastructure.

The world governing body’s main concern was the players’ area, which it suggested should undergo some improvement. "Basically, what they have asked for is overhaul of the dressing rooms. For example, the dining space should be outside the dressing room and not adjacent to it," Cricket Association of Bengal joint-secretary Biswarup Dey said.

"In other words, they have stressed on the overall comfort level of cricketers during matches."

However, the delegation had no complaints about the pitch and ground conditions. "I had specified to (ICC pitch consultant) Andy Atkinson that only one pitch would be used for all the four matches. Forget raising an objection, he seemed pretty much okay with the matter. In fact, they were simply amazed after going through the pitch and turf conditions at the Jadavpur University second campus (the prospective practice ground during the World Cup). So far, I haven’t heard a single complaint," Eden curator Prabir Mukherjee told this newspaper.

Another ICC team is slated to arrive here for monitoring security arrangements prior to the December 24 India-Sri Lanka ODI. CAB officials have also been intimated that the renovation work should be complete by November 30 next year, as the ICC would be in charge of the stadium from January 2011 till the World Cup concludes.

Later, ICC events manager Chris Tetley explained, "It was basically a fact-finding visit from our side.

"All of us know very well that Eden Gardens is a renowned and an established venue with fond memories of the 1987 (World Cup) final. What we want to emphasise on is exchange of information with all the host associations in order to ensure that the event is held in an even better way."

Eden was the first venue in India that the delegation inspected on their way from Dhaka. From here, they move on to Nagpur.