The Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association’s (UPCA) venue director Sanjay Kapoor has rubbished the claims of safety concerns at the Green Park, Kanpur ahead of the second Test between India and Bangladesh beginning from Friday, September 27. Notably, ahead of the 24th Test at the historic venue, the upper block of the C stand was deemed unsafe by the Uttar Pradesh Public Works Department who’ve advised against filling it to its full capacity.
However, Sanjay Kapoor has brushed aside any such concerns and said that the officials have taken stock of the situation and have reduced the number of seats on offer in the stand.
“These are all baseless rumours that there is a safety concern for the fans. Out of a capacity for 10,000 fans on the balcony, we have been asked to reduce seats to 7,200 and we are not selling tickets for the remaining 2,800 seats,” Kapoor was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times.
Further speaking ahead, Kapoor highlighted the increase in the number of seats at the venue as compared to the last game back in 2021.
“Even then, we have managed to increase the number of seats for the fans by almost 6,000 from the last match and now we have around 26,000 seats. UPCA has taken all possible measures to ensure the safety of the fans; we have also made provisions for 3,000 school kids to watch the match every day,” said Kapoor.
We are prepared even for the bad weather conditions: Sanjay Kapoor
Kapoor also stated that the venue is completely ready for the Test match and they’re well prepared for the inclement weather as well.
“Floodlights are working properly, and everything has been checked properly and we are prepared even for the bad weather conditions here,” Kapoor added.
Notably, the first ever Test at the Kanpur was held way back in January 1952 and a total of 23 matches have been hosted by the venue so far out of which ten have produced results. The last Test at the venue was between India and New Zealand in November 2021 where the game ended in a draw.
