Chennai, Nov 7(ANI): The ban to play cricket at Chennai’s Marina beach has come as a big setback to ardent cricket lovers, who now have no alternate location to enjoy the game.

The ban followed a decision taken after a joint meeting of senior officials belonging to the State Government, police department and Chennai Corporation.

According to the police, youngsters who play cricket on the beach cause hindrance and disturbance to the walkers and the vehicles using the service road which was laid as a part of beach beautification programme.

However, Nagraj, a college student who visits the beach for playing cricket, said that he has ground to play near his house, and before banning the activity the Government has to find an answer to their problems.

“There is no playground near my house, so we come here to play cricket. But the police has put a ban on playing cricket on the beach and now we don’t have a playground to play on. Now, the Government has to find a solution to this problem,” said Nagaraj, a college student.

The parents are also agitated over the ban, as they feel that playing cricket helps the children to focus on their lives.

“We are condemning the ban implemented by the Government on playing cricket on Marina beach because playing is the only way of deviating the youngsters of choosing a wrong path in life. Playing is health for them, which would encourage them to get good education,” said Masilamani, a parent.

Meanwhile, the State Government has decided to make alternative provisions for the cricket enthusiasts by opening some playgrounds, which includes May Day Park, Gopalapuram, Turnbulls road, Nandanam Extension, Mandaveli South Cooum road, Thiru.Vi.Ka Nagar and the Pattinappakam housing board playground. (ANI)