Safety Concerns Raise Questions About Venue Viability
As the second Test between India and Bangladesh is set to commence on September 27 at Kanpur's Green Park Stadium, the venue is facing significant scrutiny due to safety concerns and infrastructure issues. One of the major concerns is the safety of the spectators, particularly regarding the C block stands.
According to a report by the Public Works Department, the C block stands have been deemed "unsafe" and "unfit" for use, citing structural compromises that could pose a risk to the fans. This has resulted in the reduction of seating capacity in the affected area, with only 7,200 out of 10,000 seats being made available for sale[5,.
However, the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA) has dismissed these concerns, assuring spectators of "absolute" safety and security. Dr. Sanjay Kapoor, the venue director of the UPCA, stated that the association had taken advice from the PWD and experts from Kanpur’s Harcourt Butler Technical University to ensure all necessary precautions were taken. Despite the reduction in seats in the C block, the UPCA has managed to increase the overall seating capacity for the match to 26,007.
Historical and Ongoing Infrastructure Issues
The Green Park Stadium, built in 1945 and hosting Test matches since 1952, has a long history but also a history of infrastructure challenges. The recent issue with the C block stands is not an isolated incident. The stadium has faced criticism for its overall condition, with one stand being deemed so unsafe that it could not withstand the weight of even 50 fans if they were to jump in celebration.
This is part of a broader issue with cricket infrastructure in India, where numerous venues are facing similar problems. The abandonment of the Afghanistan-New Zealand Test match at Greater Noida earlier this month due to poor ground conditions and lack of drainage facilities highlights the systemic issues. The Greater Noida stadium, which has not hosted a domestic BCCI match since 2019, is now under scrutiny by the International Cricket Council (ICC) and faces an uncertain future.
Pitch Conditions and Tactical Implications
Aside from the safety and infrastructure concerns, the pitch conditions at Green Park Stadium are also a significant focus. The Kanpur pitch is expected to be flatter and slower compared to the one in Chennai, where the first Test was played. This means the ball will not rise as high, and the surface may deteriorate over the course of the match due to the black soil composition.
These conditions are likely to influence team strategies, with India considering replacing one of their fast bowlers with a spinner, possibly Kuldeep Yadav or Axar Patel. Bangladesh is also contemplating changes, particularly with Shakib Al Hasan's availability uncertain due to a finger injury. If he cannot play, left-arm spinner Taijul Islam could be included in the team.
Historically, Kanpur pitches have favored batsmen, especially when the surface is watered and the clay holds together. The last Test match at Kanpur against New Zealand in 2021 saw India employ a spin-heavy strategy, which resulted in a draw despite India's initial dominance.
Weather Forecast and Match Outlook
Adding to the complexities, weather forecasts indicate that Kanpur is expected to experience thunderstorms from Wednesday evening through Saturday night, with a high chance of precipitation on the opening day of the match. This could further impact the pitch conditions and the overall conduct of the game.
In conclusion, the Green Park Stadium, despite its rich history and significance in Indian cricket, is facing a viability test. The combination of safety concerns, infrastructure issues, and unique pitch conditions makes the upcoming Test match against Bangladesh a challenging and uncertain affair. As the cricket world watches, the UPCA and the BCCI will need to address these concerns to ensure the continued viability of this historic venue.
