Hyderabad, Nov. 14: Whilst the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium has garnered applause for having a beautiful outfield and a good surface for Test cricket, the 14-minute rain stoppage on Day Three of the second Test has not gone down well with the spectators. With the stadium yet to sport a roof, the rains on Day Three of the second Test would have taken the organisers by surprise.
With the BCCI bosses too putting forth their views on this to the HCA as reported in this newspaper on Saturday, Sunday’s events must have made the latter feel the need to step up gas.
“When you build a stadium it is important to take care of not only the players but also the paying public,” said Anisha, a student of Andhra University, who was at the stadium when the heavens opened. Her plight was shared by her cousin who had come to watch the day’s play.
“Thankfully, it was just a drizzle but nevertheless, it was enough to get us drenched,” rued Shruthi, Anisha’s cousin.
Another issue that has troubled the fans has been the dirt on the bucket seats at the ground.
“The seats were dirty when I came in the morning. I saw no effort on the organisers to get them cleaned. This is the state across the stadium and it is appalling. Also, there has to be a public announcement system asking the fans not to soil the seats, failing which penalty should be imposed,” complained Ganesh, an IT professional.
With the Rain God sending a small warning to HCA officials, it is time the powers that be got into action straightaway.