IND vs BAN : Frustrated fan slams Green Park facilities after Day 3 gets washed out despite no rain

The much-anticipated second Test between India and Bangladesh at Green Park, Kanpur, has hit a frustrating roadblock, with Day 3 being completely washed out due to wet outfield conditions. The overnight rains continued to wreak havoc on the match, marking the second straight day without a single ball being bowled. This turn of events has dampened the spirits of fans who had eagerly gathered to witness the action, and concerns over the ground’s readiness have sparked widespread discussion.

As spectators remain hopeful for some cricketing action in the remaining days, the conversation has shifted to how better preparedness could have prevented this situation. Green Park, despite its storied history, has come under fire, and the future of the venue as an international cricket destination is now being called into question.

Another Day Lost: Day 3 Washed Out Without a Ball Bowled

What began as an exciting contest between two cricketing nations has turned into a rain-marred disappointment, with Day 3 being washed out completely. After no play on Day 2, hopes were pinned on Day 3 for a restart, but the ground conditions at Green Park continued to deteriorate. While rain was the primary cause, it wasn’t the actual rainfall during match hours that concerned the fans—it was the slow recovery of the ground and the inability of the authorities to get the field ready for play.

Despite the absence of any significant rainfall after the early morning showers, the umpires were forced to call off the day’s play, citing a wet outfield. With only 35 overs bowled in the entire Test so far, the possibility of a result appears slim, and the fans’ frustrations have begun to surface.

A Fan’s Viral Rant on Social Media Captures Discontent

The frustration felt by the fans culminated in a now-viral video of one particularly disgruntled supporter, who took to social media to vent his anger about the state of the ground and the slow pace at which recovery efforts were taking place. The fan, who traveled a long distance to watch the match, expressed disappointment with the ground management.

In the video, he said, “It’s not raining at all right now, but the water is still lying on the covers. If this were any other modern venue, the game would’ve resumed by now. This stadium doesn’t even have a proper drainage system. I don’t think Green Park will host any big matches in the future if things continue like this.”

The video quickly gained traction, resonating with many fans who shared similar sentiments. Social media platforms were flooded with comments pointing out how other international venues had better drainage systems and were able to restart play faster after rain interruptions. The general consensus was that despite the lack of rain during match hours, the ground staff was ill-prepared to handle the wet conditions, leading to another wasted day of cricket.

Concerns Raised Over Green Park’s Readiness

This situation has raised significant concerns about Green Park’s ability to host international matches moving forward. Sanjay Kapoor, the venue director for the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA), had previously assured that the ground was adequately prepared for the predicted heavy rainfall. However, the reality of two lost days due to a slow drainage process has left fans and critics alike questioning those assurances.

Adding to the venue’s woes, just before the start of the Test, the Uttar Pradesh Public Works Department (PWD) had already raised safety concerns over the upper block of the C stand, declaring it unsafe and advising against filling it to full capacity. These issues, combined with the wet outfield debacle, have thrown Green Park’s future as a cricketing venue into uncertainty. What was once considered a premier cricket destination is now under scrutiny, with many wondering whether it can keep up with the modern standards required for hosting international matches.

Green Park’s Storied History Under Scrutiny

Green Park, located in Kanpur, holds a special place in Indian cricket history. It has hosted 40 international matches, including 24 Tests, 15 One Day Internationals (ODIs), and a single T20 International. The ongoing match marks the 24th Test to be played at this historic venue. The ground has witnessed many iconic moments in Indian cricket, and the local fanbase is passionate and deeply rooted in the game.

However, recent events have cast a shadow over this rich history. The last match held at Green Park was a Test between India and New Zealand in November 2021, which ended in a draw due to poor light on Day 5. While this was seen as a one-off occurrence, the consecutive loss of two days in the current Test has put Green Park’s ability to host future matches into serious doubt. The venue’s historic significance is now being overshadowed by questions surrounding its infrastructure and readiness to handle adverse weather conditions.

Social Media Erupts with Fan Frustration

The disappointment of losing two full days of cricket has not been limited to those present at the stadium. Fans across the globe took to social media to express their frustrations. Twitter and Instagram were flooded with posts criticizing the venue’s poor drainage system, with many pointing out that other international stadiums, both in India and abroad, have handled worse conditions far more efficiently.

Many fans also called for better transparency from the UPCA regarding the state of the ground and the steps being taken to address the issues. “It’s 2024, and we’re still dealing with such poor infrastructure at one of our oldest venues. It’s time we upgraded these facilities,” one fan tweeted.

The debate on social media quickly expanded to the broader topic of how Indian stadiums, especially older ones, need to modernize to meet the standards set by newer venues like those in Ahmedabad and Pune. Calls for investment in better drainage systems, improved seating arrangements, and overall infrastructure have gained momentum, with fans demanding that traditional venues like Green Park step up or risk losing out on future international matches.

Hope for Play on Days 4 and 5

Despite the frustration and disappointment, cricket fans are still holding on to hope that there will be some action in the remaining two days of the Test match. With only 35 overs bowled so far, both teams will be eager to get back on the field and salvage something from the game. The weather forecast offers a glimmer of optimism, with only a 20% chance of rain on Day 4 and a 10% chance on Day 5.

For the teams, the focus will be on making the most of whatever time is available. The Indian team, led by their dominant bowling attack, will look to make early inroads if play resumes, while Bangladesh will hope to build on their start and give the Indian bowlers a tough time.

For fans, the wait continues, with fingers crossed that the final two days will provide the cricketing spectacle they came to see.

 The Future of Green Park as a Venue

The events of the last two days have left a cloud over Green Park’s future as an international cricket venue. While the ground holds historical significance, it’s clear that modern standards require more than just nostalgia. The criticism leveled at the venue, from fans on social media to cricketing experts, highlights the urgent need for infrastructure upgrades, better drainage systems, and improved ground readiness.

With two days left in the Test, there’s still hope that play will resume and provide some much-needed action for the fans. However, the bigger question looms large—will Green Park evolve to meet the challenges of modern cricket, or will it risk being sidelined in favor of newer, more efficient venues? The next steps taken by the UPCA will be crucial in determining the future of this iconic ground.