More than a year after Rinku Singh’s powerful six damaged the media box at St George’s Park in Gqeberha, the glass panel remains unrepaired. During a T20I match between India and South Africa in 2023, Rinku’s massive shot off Aiden Markram’s delivery shattered a safety glass panel near the Graeme Pollock Pavilion. Despite his apology, financial and logistical constraints have delayed the repairs.
A Six That Left Its Mark
The six was so forceful that it left a significant crack in the glass, situated at a high altitude in the press box, a location typically safe from such damage. With the third season of the SA20 underway, the panel remains at risk, as seen during a recent game when a six from MI Cape Town batter Dewald Brevis nearly hit the same spot.
Budget Challenges and Maintenance Priorities
Terrence, a venue official responsible for maintenance, explained the difficulties involved. “The height of the glass makes repairs challenging, requiring cranes and heavy machinery, which cannot be brought onto the field during ongoing games. Budget constraints further complicate matters,” he said.
Terrence highlighted that other urgent projects, like fixing the stadium’s roof after storms in August, took precedence. The roof repairs alone cost around 400,000 Rand, straining the venue’s limited resources. “We had to deal with storm damage and corrosion. Fixing the glass panel is on our to-do list, but it’s not an immediate priority since it doesn’t pose a safety risk,” he added.
The Complexity of Safety Glass Repairs
The damaged panel is made of safety glass, a material designed to crack internally without shattering completely, minimizing injury risks. However, replacing such panels is costly and labor-intensive, requiring skilled workers and specialized equipment.
Maintenance Beyond the Glass Panel
The stadium faces numerous maintenance challenges due to its proximity to the sea, which accelerates corrosion. Terrence emphasized the need for regular upkeep, stating, “When I joined in 2017, the stadium was in poor condition. Since then, we’ve undertaken massive upgrades, but maintaining a venue like this with limited staff and budget is a continuous struggle.”
A Broader Perspective on Stadium Maintenance
Terrence views his role as a custodian of the historic venue, which is owned by the municipality. “This stadium belongs to the people. I want to be remembered for doing a good job. Maintenance is about ensuring that future generations can enjoy this place,” he said.
Despite the delay in repairing the media box glass, St George’s Park continues to host top-tier cricket, with its officials working tirelessly to balance maintenance needs within the constraints of their budget.
