Day 3 of the second Test between India and Bangladesh at Kanpur’s Green Park Stadium ended in disappointment as the outfield remained waterlogged, despite no rain during the day. This followed a complete washout of Day 2, which had been impacted by overnight rain. The lack of play on back-to-back days left fans disheartened, especially those who had traveled from afar hoping to catch live cricket. Many vented their frustrations on social media, with one fan posting a video from the stadium, criticizing the poor drainage system and outdated infrastructure.
In his video, the fan expressed anger, saying, "This stadium is so old, there’s no proper drainage system. It’s not raining anymore, but the ground is still not ready for play. If it had been another venue, they would’ve cleared the water, and the match would’ve resumed by now. The situation here is awful, and I doubt Green Park will get any future international matches if things remain like this." His concerns reflect the larger sentiment shared by many others who were eagerly waiting for the game to resume but were left disappointed by the poor ground conditions.
The Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA) had earlier assured fans and players that they were prepared for the rain forecasted before the Test match. Venue director Sanjay Kapoor had spoken confidently about their arrangements to deal with adverse weather. However, the reality on the ground proved otherwise, as fans questioned the stadium's preparedness. To add to the existing concerns, the Uttar Pradesh Public Works Department had declared the upper block of the C stand unsafe before the match, advising the UPCA against filling it to full capacity, further reflecting on the stadium’s deteriorating infrastructure.
Green Park Stadium is one of India's most historic cricket venues, having hosted 40 international matches, including 24 Test matches, 15 One-Day Internationals, and 1 T20 International. Despite its long-standing association with Indian cricket, the stadium’s inadequate drainage system and facilities have drawn criticism in recent years. The ongoing Test match is the 24th Test at this venue, but the last Test played here between India and New Zealand in November 2021 also ended on a disappointing note, with the game concluding in a draw due to bad light on the final day.
As for the current Test match, only 35 overs have been bowled so far, and two consecutive days have been washed out. Fans and players alike are anxiously hoping for better conditions on Days 4 and 5. However, the weather forecast is not entirely promising, with a 20% chance of rain on Day 4 and a 10% chance on Day 5, leaving many worried that the match might head toward a no-result scenario.
The disruptions have not only frustrated fans but have also raised serious concerns about the stadium's future as an international cricket venue. With modern stadiums across India offering superior infrastructure, including better drainage systems, Green Park risks being sidelined in favor of more advanced facilities unless it addresses these issues. The sentiment among cricket enthusiasts is that while Green Park’s legacy is undeniable, the stadium must modernize if it wants to remain relevant in today’s competitive international cricket calendar.
The disappointment surrounding the washouts has also reignited debates on the broader issue of inadequate infrastructure in Indian cricket venues. With the sport's global popularity soaring and matches being broadcast to millions, there is growing pressure on local associations to ensure world-class facilities. In a cricket-crazy nation like India, where fans are emotionally invested in every game, repeated interruptions due to poor venue conditions are seen as unacceptable. Whether it’s updating drainage systems, improving seating safety, or ensuring better crowd management, these upgrades are no longer optional but necessary to maintain the reputation of Indian cricket on the global stage.
As cricket fans continue to express their disappointment, the attention now shifts to the final two days of the match. Will the ground be ready in time, or will poor infrastructure and weather continue to spoil the game? With the potential for two exciting days of cricket remaining, fans are hopeful that the stadium authorities can finally get the conditions right. However, the larger question remains whether venues like Green Park will be able to keep up with the demands of modern international cricket in the long term. The future of Test cricket at such iconic yet aging venues could hinge on how well they adapt to these challenges.
