Kolkata, Feb 9 (IANS) Intellectuals of Kolkata Tuesday welcomed the International Cricket Council's decision to allow the Eden Gardens to host three World Cup matches but expressed disappointment over the iconic ground not getting a single India match.

ICC chief executive Haroon Lorgat Tuesday said the world body was happy with the progress of work at the Eden Gardens.

"I really feel bad about it that Eden will not host a single India match. But at the same time, it is also relieving that Eden will at least host some of the World Cup matches. I think it is an experience for us," said Shirshendu Mukhopadhaya, a renowned writer.

The India-England match, slated to be held at Kolkata on Feb 27, was shifted to Bangalore due to unpreparedness of the Eden Gardens. The stadium will now host its first World Cup match on March 15 between South Africa and Ireland.

"It is very sad to see that Eden will not host a single India match. Today, in the newspapers, I have seen that Eden is fully prepared. I think they (ICC) could have reconsidered it," said Ranjit Mullick, an eminent Bengali actor.

However, some consider the three World Cup matches at Eden Gardens as a consolation prize.

"Eden not hosting a single India match is most unfortunate. Although, ICC's decision of not holding any India match is due to unpreparedness of Eden, but emotions of the people of Bengal would not listen to this logic," said Sambaran Banerjee, former national selector and Ranji player.

Industrialist Sanjay Budhia said: "Rest of the matches at Eden Gardens are just like consolation prize for the cricket loving people of Bengal who will at least get something to watch."