The first day of the second Test between India and New Zealand was extremely difficult for spectators at the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) Stadium in Pune. A few of guests voiced their displeasure over inadequate shelter in the intense heat and inadequate drinking water amenities.
As hundreds of supporters frantically waited outside the North Stand for water during the lunch break, the situation at the 37,000-seat stadium deteriorated. Police had to step in to control the increasing masses because the pandemonium had gotten so out of control.
The spectators desperately needed water because of the excessive humidity and temperatures that were above 30 degrees Celsius. In the North Stand alone, about 20 people complained of feeling lightheaded and dehydrated, necessitating prompt medical attention at the first-aid station. According to medical personnel, comparable cases were reported in other booths, affecting roughly 18,000 spectators.
Many fans were compelled to buy water from vendors at exorbitant costs, even though the MCA had initially promised to provide free water during the game. An irate fan disclosed that the money they spent on water bottles was more than the price of their match ticket. MCA secretary Kamlesh Pisal responded to the problem by apologising and pledging to take prompt action.
Express regret to the fans for any inconvenience this has caused: Kamlesh Pisal, secretary of MCA
With only six stands having roof coverage, the stadium’s architecture made matters worse by forcing almost half of the attendees to brave the inclement weather without enough shade.
“The only thing we can do is apologise to the fans for any inconvenience. However, we want to reassure them through MCA that everything will be taken care of and that this won’t happen again. We made the decision to supply cold water because of the intense heat. “The fans had complained about us giving them warm or boiling water in the past,” Pisal told reporters.
“As management, we had maintained cool cages because we believed we would provide them cold water. We attempted to replenish the cool cages with the same cold water once the water ran out, but the operation was delayed.
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To prevent such circumstances, we have inspected the whole water supply in the stands and will ensure that everything is refilled correctly tonight,” Pisal informed reporters.
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