 |
|
The upcoming second Test match between India and Bangladesh at Kanpur's Green Park Stadium has been overshadowed by safety concerns regarding one of the stands. Just three days before the match is set to begin, the Uttar Pradesh Public Works Department (PWD) expressed serious concerns about the structural integrity of Balcony C, leading to a decision to limit ticket sales for that section.
The Green Park Stadium, owned by the Uttar Pradesh government's sports department, has not hosted frequent international cricket matches in recent years. This is largely attributed to the superior facilities offered by the newer Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow, where the UPCA is also based. However, the PWD's assessment revealed significant structural issues with Balcony C, potentially posing a risk of collapse if it were to accommodate a full capacity crowd.
As a safety measure, the UPCA has agreed to sell only 1,700 tickets for Balcony C, which has a capacity of 4,800. This represents less than half of its usual seating capacity. The repair work on the stand is expected to continue for the next few days. Engineers have identified specific safety concerns with Balcony C, particularly with its ability to withstand the weight of a large crowd, especially if spectators were to jump and celebrate during the match.
PWD officials have emphasized the potential danger if the stand remains open to a full capacity crowd. An engineer explained that even 50 spectators jumping after a six hit by Rishabh Pant could pose a significant risk to the structure. The officials have strongly recommended closing the stand for the match, highlighting the urgent need for repair work. The UPCA acknowledged the seriousness of the situation and agreed to the PWD's recommendations. They emphasized the need for a 40-day window before any match to ensure adequate preparation and maintenance of the stadium. While acknowledging the importance of this World Test Championship match, they have stated that they have done their best to ensure the stadium's safety before the event.