The vice president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Rajiv Shukla, announced on Monday that the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA) is engaging in discussions with the state government to improve the facilities at Green Park in Kanpur. This announcement comes on the heels of considerable rain interruptions during the ongoing Test match between India and Bangladesh.
Play on both the second and third days of the Test match was entirely washed out due to heavy rain, a situation exacerbated by a persistently wet outfield even when no rain occurred on Sunday. Not a single ball was bowled when play was possible, leading to significant criticism and frustration from cricketing fans and experts alike.
“Cricket, unfortunately, is at the mercy of the weather. We all hope for clear skies, but sometimes rain is inevitable,” Shukla remarked. “It’s not fair that Green Park is being singled out for criticism. This is a situation dictated by nature, and it’s not exclusive to Kanpur.”
Shukla, a former president of the UPCA, emphasized the rarity of such weather disruptions at Green Park. “In 80 years, this is the first time we have experienced such severe interruptions. Historically, no matches here have ever been abandoned due to rain. There are venues worldwide where matches have been called off due to rain. Technologies to manage such situations were simply not available when this stadium was constructed.”
Highlighting technological advancements, Shukla referenced new systems in place at other stadiums in the region, including Lucknow and an upcoming venue in Varanasi. “Our stadium in Lucknow is equipped with modern technology to efficiently manage water removal. Similarly, the stadium under construction in Varanasi will feature the latest high-tech solutions to handle excess water.”
On Monday, Shukla held discussions with local authorities about implementing advanced water drainage systems at Green Park. “We explored how we could develop and integrate a system that quickly absorbs rainwater. The authorities are on board with these ideas.
. We are confident that we can enhance the ground conditions shortly.”
Shukla underlined the logistical efforts needed for these improvements. “Upgrading the stadium will involve significant work, including digging up portions of the ground and installing new technologies. Immediate action and coordination with the state government are necessary, as the stadium is a government property. We are in agreement on these improvements, and efforts will begin soon.”
In a strategic move in recent years, UPCA has hosted more high-profile matches at the modern Ekana Stadium in Lucknow, opting to bring Test cricket back to Kanpur only for the second time in eight years. Despite the recent weather issues, Shukla defended the decision and criticized those questioning the rotation policy for match venues.
“We believe in rotating match venues across the country to give more cities the chance to host international cricket. Indian cricket has a unique advantage with many venues, unlike countries such as Australia. Limiting matches to a handful of cities is not feasible,” Shukla defended.
Addressing the concern over diminishing attendance in cities that regularly host multiple formats, including IPL and bilateral matches, Shukla said, “Cities that frequently host matches see a decline in spectator numbers because the residents become accustomed to watching T20 and one-day cricket. Test matches in smaller or B-grade cities with adequate infrastructure attract more spectators eager to watch high-quality cricket.”
Shukla pointed to the enthusiastic turnout in Kanpur despite the rain. “Even with the adverse weather, the stadium has been almost packed. This demonstrates the local appetite for cricket. The public’s eagerness to watch live matches confirms our decision to diversify our venue rotation.”
As UPCA and the state government move forward, the commitment to improving Green Park remains a priority. Shukla’s announcement gives hope that Green Park will soon boast the technology and infrastructure necessary to host uninterrupted and world-class cricket events regardless of weather conditions.