BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla defended the Green Park Stadium in Kanpur, which faced criticism during the second Test between India and Bangladesh. Despite two days of play being abandoned, Shukla emphasized the stadium’s legacy and significance as one of India’s original Test centers, having hosted matches for over 80 years.
He acknowledged the challenges faced by the venue but dismissed suggestions that Test matches should no longer be held there, citing its historical importance in Indian cricket.
Shukla explained that the two days of the match were lost not due to continuous rain but because of rainfall in the lead-up, which made the ground unplayable. He highlighted that this was the first instance in 80 years where consecutive days were lost at Green Park due to weather, emphasizing that such issues are common at venues worldwide. Shukla underscored the criticism directed at Kanpur as unnecessary, stating that weather is a natural factor and that the stadium should not be blamed for such disruptions.
Historical Importance of Green Park
Shukla pointed out that Green Park has been a permanent Test venue, along with major centers like Kolkata, Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, and Bengaluru. He defended the decision to continue hosting Test matches in Kanpur, noting that the venue has a rich history and should remain part of the Test cricket circuit. Despite facing occasional issues like rain, Shukla believes that Green Park holds a prestigious place in Indian cricket.
Need for Modernization
Shukla also acknowledged the need for upgrades at Green Park. He stated that when the stadium was built, modern technology like efficient rainwater drainage systems was unavailable. Today, newly constructed venues such as those in Lucknow and Varanasi have advanced drainage systems in place to prevent such delays. Shukla mentioned plans to implement similar technology at Green Park to address the challenges posed by rain, ensuring that the stadium remains up-to-date with current standards.
Collaborative Efforts for Improvement
Shukla revealed that discussions are ongoing with the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association and the state government, which owns the land where the stadium is situated. He expressed optimism about making the necessary upgrades to improve the ground’s facilities. Shukla concluded by stressing that natural occurrences like rain should not be held against the venue and that steps will be taken to modernize the stadium without compromising its historical significance.
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