Shamik Chakrabarty in Kanpur
Before the start of the second Test between India and Bangladesh in Kanpur, some Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA) officials were lamenting that the state association didn’t get to host international matches frequently. As play was called off on Day 3 due to a wet outfield, they sounded apprehensive about Green Park’s international future.
Only 35 overs of play have been possible over three days in this Test. On Sunday, there was no rain and by early afternoon, the sun started to peep out. But several soggy patches on the outfield made it unplayable.
The simple thing is, in modern-day cricket, if there’s no rain, play should take place. Green Park has failed to meet the standard. Asked if this might jeopardise Kanpur’s chances of hosting international matches in the future, UPCA joint-secretary Riasat Ali said: “That could happen.” He made an honest confession, saying the state association wasn’t prepared to counter rain interruptions.
“This is an old ground,” Ali told RevSportz. “Cleaning of the entire drainage system was done a month before the Test. But unlike the new stadiums, we don’t have a modern drainage system. Also, rain at this time of the year was unexpected. We weren’t prepared for the eventuality.”
But why didn’t Green Park, a historic Test centre, try to overhaul its drainage system and other facilities? “Actually, this is a government ground,” said Ali. “We have taken it on lease. Whatever we to do, we have to seek permission from the government.”
International matches are at a premium in Kanpur. Green Park hosted a Test, against New Zealand, in 2016, and then had to wait for five years to get another one, once again against New Zealand. The Bangladesh game has come after a three-year international hiatus. And this could be Green Park’s last, at least for the time being, until the venue is getting a facelift.