After a resounding victory against Bangladesh in Chennai, Team India has arrived in Kanpur for the final Test of the two-match series, set to begin on Friday at Green Park Stadium. However, there are concerns regarding the stadium’s readiness to accommodate a full crowd for the match. Reports from *The Indian Express* indicate that one of the stands at Green Park, specifically Stand C, has been deemed unsafe by the Uttar Pradesh Public Works Department (PWD).
Consequently, the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA) has been instructed to limit ticket sales for this stand to less than half its capacity. “The PWD has raised some issues, and we have agreed not to sell all the tickets for Balcony C,” UPCA CEO Ankit Chatterjee stated. “We have been told to sell only 1,700 tickets for the stand, which has a capacity of 4,800. The repair work will continue for the next couple of days,” he added.
PWD officials have expressed concerns that accommodating a large crowd in Stand C could pose a risk. They cautioned the UPCA about the possibility of having to close the stand during the match.
ALSO READ: Virat Kohli Set For Ranji Trophy Return As DDCA Announces Probable Players
“This stand won’t be able to take the weight of even 50 fans if they start jumping after Rishabh Pant hits a six. This part of the stadium is in dire need of repair,” a PWD engineer commented.
Part of Kanpur’s Green Park stadium deemed unsafe before 2nd Test
By @pratyush93_raj https://t.co/5Hwurqk2Mb
— Express Sports (@IExpressSports) September 25, 2024
In addition to the issues with Stand C, there are also problems with the stadium’s floodlights. At least eight bulbs on one of the floodlights are reported to be malfunctioning. The last time India played a Test match in Kanpur, visibility issues significantly impacted the game, allowing New Zealand’s tailenders, Rachin Ravindra and Ajaz Patel, to save the match.
Unfortunately, the floodlight problems have persisted for three years without resolution. The Green Park Stadium is owned by the state government’s sports department and does not fall directly under the purview of the UPCA.
ALSO READ: Ben Stokes Hints At Potential White-Ball Comeback Under Brendon McCullum
This administrative structure is one of the reasons why the state cricket association has chosen to operate from the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow, which boasts far superior facilities. As the Test match approaches, the spotlight is on the readiness of Green Park, and fans are hopeful for a smooth and thrilling encounter.
