Hyderabad, March 13 -- With the Indian Premier League (IPL) fast approaching, the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad's Uppal is gearing up to host nine matches this season.

In an interview with Siasat.com, the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) president, Jagan Mohan Rao Arishnapally said that the association has spent Rs 5 crore on renovation and all preparations for the 18th edition of the IPL are in place. Rao added that minor repairs are being done and the stadium will be ready by March 20.

"Most of the preparations are done, minor repairs, washroom upgrade and deep cleaning in certain areas are being conducted. An inspection of the stadium will be done on March 15, if required, the remaining work will be completed by ...