India vs Bangladesh 2nd Test in jeopardy due to unsafe Kanpur stand? UPCA gives massive update

Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA) has slammed the reports of safety concerns at the Green Park in Kanpur ahead of the second Test between the India National Cricket Team and the Bangladesh National Cricket Team. The second game of the two-match Test series between the teams will take place from Thursday (27th September).

Green Park in Kanpur came under scanner a day ahead of the second Test between India and Bangladesh. Some reports claimed that the C stand of the stadium was unfit, that there were safety concerns, and that it might be dangerous for the spectators.

The reports claimed that C Balcony, which holds 10,000 spectators, was structurally compromised and could be at risk of collapsing due to the weight of fans. But after that, UPCA came up with the immediate inspection of the venue ahead of the second India vs Bangladesh Test.

The UPCA brought experts from the Public Works Department and Kanpur’s Harcourt Butler Technical University to assess the situation. Notably, the stand at the venue was deemed fit, but they were advised to reduce the capacity of the C Balcony.

UPCA’s venue director, Sanjay Kapoor, talked about the rumors, saying that there are no safety concerns at the venue, which will host the first India vs Bangladesh Test. He, however, admitted that they have asked to reduce capacity to 7,200. Speaking to IANS, he explained:

"It’s all baseless rumours that there is a safety concern for the fans. Out of the 10,000 seats available on the balcony, we have been advised to reduce capacity to 7,200, and we are not selling tickets for the remaining 2,800 seats.”

“Even with the reduction in the C Balcony, we have managed to increase the number of seats for fans by almost 6,000 from the last match. We now have 26,007 seats available for spectators in this Test."

Everything has been thoroughly checked - UPCA on Kanpur venue for India vs Bangladesh Test

Sanjay Kapoor further provided an update about the Floodlights, saying that everything has been thoroughly checked. He said that they are prepared for any kind of weather. He also stressed that with PWD citing it as unsafe for spectators, they have reduced the capacity. He explained:

“Floodlights are working properly, and everything has been thoroughly checked. We’re prepared for any weather challenges. PWD first inspected the ground on Tuesday and they complained about the ceiling and also the iron barrier that is placed there.

"Today, with the conclusion, they haven’t passed the stand, citing it as unsafe for spectators. However, with discussion, we are convinced that we will shorten the seating capacity, and 2,000 seats will go on sale," he concluded.

Coming to the Test series, India have taken the 1-0 lead in the series in the two-match. They won the first game by a margin of 280 runs at the MA Chidabaram stadium in Chennai. They would be keen to complete the whitewash and bag important World Test Championship points.