The Green Park Stadium in Kanpur, a historic venue for cricket, has been at the center of several notable events and challenges during the ongoing India vs Bangladesh 2nd Test match. Here are some of the key issues and preparations that have made headlines.
Monkey Menace and Langur Deployment
One of the unique challenges faced by the stadium is the persistent problem of monkeys causing disturbances. To address this, the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA) has hired langurs and their handlers to drive away the hungry monkeys that often target the food and drinks of spectators and broadcasting crew.
According to Sanjay Kapoor, the venue director of the UPCA, "To avoid the terror of monkeys, we have langurs (long-tailed leaf monkeys) to take care of them".
This is not the first time langurs have been deployed for this purpose. The services of langurs have been utilized in the past as well to manage the monkey menace during international cricket matches at Kanpur.
Safety Concerns and Structural Issues
Ahead of the test match, there were concerns raised about the safety of the spectators due to structural issues with the C block stands. The Public Works Department (PWD) and experts from Kanpur’s Harcourt Butler Technical University inspected the stands and deemed a portion of them unfit for use.
However, the UPCA has dismissed these concerns, ensuring that the necessary measures have been taken to ensure spectator safety. "It's all baseless rumors that there is a safety concern for the fans. Out of 10,000 seats available on the balcony, we have been advised to reduce the capacity to 7,200 and we are not selling tickets for the remaining 2,800 seats," said Dr. Sanjay Kapoor.
Despite these adjustments, the UPCA has managed to increase the overall seating capacity for the match, now offering 26,007 seats for spectators.
Weather Disruptions
The second day of the test match has been significantly impacted by adverse weather conditions. Heavy rain in Kanpur has delayed the start of play, with forecasts indicating a high chance of rainfall throughout the morning and early afternoon.
According to AccuWeather, there is a prediction of rain till 11 AM IST, with over 50% chance of rainfall. The Weather Channel also predicts scattered thunderstorms till 10:30 AM IST and a high chance of rain in the afternoon.
Incident Involving Bangladesh Fan 'Tiger Robi'
During the first day of the test match, a Bangladeshi cricket fan named 'Tiger Robi' was rushed to a hospital after feeling unwell. Initially, there were claims of assault, but Robi later released a video message denying these allegations and attributing his condition to his illness.
Robi, who is in India on a medical visa for treatment of tuberculosis, was treated for dehydration and has since recovered to a great extent.
Enhanced Security Measures
Given the international nature of the match and recent protests by right-wing groups near the stadium, the Kanpur Police have beefed up security in the area. The police have screened CCTV footage and are monitoring the situation closely to ensure the safety and security of all attendees.
In conclusion, the Green Park Stadium in Kanpur has faced a myriad of challenges during the India vs Bangladesh 2nd Test match, from monkey menaces to safety concerns and weather disruptions. However, through proactive measures such as deploying langurs and ensuring structural safety, the UPCA and local authorities are working diligently to provide a secure and enjoyable experience for all spectators.
