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The India versus Bangladesh second Test, which is underway at the Green Park in Kanpur, has been under scrutiny after two days of the five-day match were washed out without a ball being bowled. Although, on Day 1 of the ongoing Test, only 35 overs were bowled as bad light and incessant rain forced umpires to call off the stumps early.
However, rain continued to pour in on the morning of the second day, forcing early stumps, but it was shocking to see that no game was possible on Day 3 despite no rain and bright sunshine. Although, wet outfield was one of the key concerns to abandon play on Day 3, but a report doing rounds have made big claims, adding that the stadium is likely to not host any international games in the near future.
Green Park Stadium likely to lose out hosting rights for international matches
Despite an assurance of proper five-day play by the venue director, Sanjay Kapoor at the start of the Test match, the BCCI sources informed IANS that the Green Park could lose hosting rights on future international matches. Moreover, if this happens, the matches are likely to be moved to Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, a start of the art facility with superior infrastructure.
Speaking on the scenario after Day 3’s play was called off due to wet outfield, the pitch curator of the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA), Shiv Kumar opened up on the confusion which occurred due to the match officials’ reservations. “They gave us three different time for inspection but never told us what the issue is. Which area was wet or whatever is the problem. I told them that you can start the match but if you have any concern let us know,” Kumar told IANS.
It is to be further noted that with the first session of the third day already lost, match referee Jeff Crowe conducted multiple inspections, but dampened patches on the field left him reportedly unsatisfied. Furthermore, Crowe alongside reserve umpire, Virender Sharma and TV umpire, Rod Tucker insisted further delays hoping the ground to dry out under natural sunlight before resuming play. Although the third inspection was scheduled for 2 pm IST on Sunday, September 29, one of the ground officials further informed that the officials never informed about the exact area of concern and hoped for the ground to dry under natural sunlight. “Match officials have asked us to wait for the natural light then only we can continue the play. The pitch and another part of the ground are perfectly good, there are certain areas of concern but we can start the play,” one of the senior ground officials told IANS.
“If they want to wait for the sunlight, then they should have given the next inspection at 1 pm, because a little sunlight is always here which will dry the concerned area in an hour. We already lost two sessions, next inspection at 2 pm will lead us to call off the match,” the official further informed.
Not only this, but several spectators were also left disappointed and frustrated with no play possible on Day 2 and 3 of the second Test. Coming back to the Test match, earlier in the game, India won the toss and invited Bangladesh to bat first. The visitors posted 107/3 in the 35 overs, which were bowled on Day 1 before the umpires called off early stumps due to bad light and incessant rain.
