On Monday, Rajiv Shukla, a member of the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA) and vice-president of the BCCI, stated that they are in discussions with the government to improve Green Park Stadium in Kanpur, where the second Test match between India and Bangladesh is being played.
The decision was made following the postponement of the second Test’s Day 2 and Day 3 due to inclement weather. Rain did not fall at the location on Sunday, despite a few drizzles on Saturday. But no ball was bowled because of the damp outfield.
“Even though we all pray to Lord Indra that it won’t rain, it does happen occasionally. And it takes place everywhere in the world. Thus, why are Kanpur and Green Park being held responsible for something that belongs to nature?” Shukla stated during the second Test on the sidelines.
It has rained so much that we were unable to hold the match for two days, which is a first in 80 years. History, however, indicates that no match has been given up on this one. There are numerous locations across the globe where matches have been postponed due to rain. Because those technologies were unavailable when this stadium and ground were being constructed.
“Technologies are now accessible. Similar to the stadium in Lucknow, we have that technology. Additionally, we are constructing a new stadium in Varanasi. We can remove the water there using cutting-edge, contemporary technology.
Shukla went on, “I had a talk with the administration today about how we can design this system so that the rainwater may be soaked right away. I spoke with the authorities as soon as I arrived in Green Park, and they are also in agreement, so I believe we can soon make improvements to the area’s conditions. We’ll have some time to make the ground better, and then we’ll get back to work.
Since the government owns this stadium, I had a lengthy conversation with officials as soon as I arrived. We agree with them on that point. Thus, in order to do that, everything needs to be done, including digging up the ground and implementing new technology.”
With the UPCA choosing to play its main matches at the brand-new Ekana Stadium in Lucknow, Test cricket will be played in Kanpur for the first time in eight years.
He rejected criticism of the venue for not being able to support play because of short drizzles and backed the idea of taking Test cricket to different parts of the nation, in contrast to proposals from some players, both living and dead, to restrict it to a few chosen areas.
“We have to go by the rotation policy,” he stated. Furthermore, India currently boasts a large number of venues that Australia and other nations do not. We also need to provide everyone of them opportunities.
“What occasionally occurs is that the cities where fans can watch a large number of matches also host the World Cup, the WPL, the IPL, and bilateral matches. As a result, fewer people watch in those cities because they are accustomed to watching T20 and one-day cricket matches, among other events. It was therefore suggested that we hold Test matches in B-grade cities where we have infrastructure in order to draw in an increasing number of spectators.
Also Read: IND vs BAN: Day 2 of Kanpur Test called off due to rain
“This place (Kanpur) is nearly full. And many people came to see the play even on the last two days when it rained. This indicates a hunger. The public is excited to see cricket.”
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