One of India’s most historic cricket venues, Green Park Stadium in Kanpur, came under scrutiny recently after two full days of the second India-Bangladesh Test were abandoned, despite no rain, due to poor outfield conditions. This led to widespread criticism from fans and experts alike. However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) finally broke its silence, with vice-president Rajiv Shukla stepping forward to defend the venue’s significance, while acknowledging the need for improvements in its drainage system.
The Kanpur Debacle
Kanpur’s Green Park, a stadium with over 80 years of history, found itself at the center of controversy after Days 2 and 3 of the India-Bangladesh Test were washed out without any rainfall, raising questions about the quality of the ground’s drainage system. Fans on social media were quick to express their frustration, with many calling Green Park one of the worst cricket venues in the country. Wet patches near the bowler’s run-up and other outfield areas were cited as reasons for the delays, sparking outrage.
Shukla Defends Green Park’s Heritage
In response, Rajiv Shukla, who hails from Kanpur, addressed the media on Day 4 of the match, reminding everyone of Green Park’s long-standing legacy as a prominent Test venue. He highlighted that the stadium had never previously faced such issues in its history.
“This ground has been around for 80 years and has never witnessed an abandoned match before. It’s part of our cricketing heritage and was once a permanent Test venue alongside Kolkata, Chennai, Delhi, Bangalore, and Mumbai,” Shukla stated.
Acknowledging the Need for Modernization
While defending the venue, Shukla also admitted that Green Park’s infrastructure, especially its drainage system, needs an upgrade. He pointed out that technological advancements have made it possible for other newer venues to manage rainwater more efficiently. Shukla mentioned the Lucknow and Varanasi stadiums as examples, both equipped with modern drainage technologies.
“When Green Park was built, these advanced technologies weren’t available. We have implemented such systems in Lucknow and are in the process of building a high-tech stadium in Varanasi. We are in talks with local authorities to update Green Park’s infrastructure as well,” he added.
Impact on the World Test Championship
The abandoned days raised concerns for India’s World Test Championship (WTC) campaign, with experts pointing out that the lost play could result in a drawn Test, complicating India’s path to a third consecutive WTC final. Despite these concerns, Shukla downplayed the controversy, suggesting that weather-related disruptions are not unique to Kanpur, and occur in venues around the world.
Plans for the Future
Shukla revealed that discussions have already begun with the Uttar Pradesh government, which owns Green Park, to improve the stadium’s facilities. He promised that significant upgrades, particularly related to the drainage system, will be implemented soon, ensuring that such issues do not recur in the future.
In conclusion, while the recent events have highlighted flaws in Kanpur’s infrastructure, Shukla’s comments remind us of the venue’s historical importance. The BCCI has acknowledged the need for modernization, and work is underway to bring Green Park up to the standards of modern cricket.
