The Green Park Stadium in Kanpur, which served as the venue for the weather-impacted second Test between India and Bangladesh from September 27 to October 1, has received an "unsatisfactory" rating from the International Cricket Council (ICC). This designation is accompanied by a demerit point for the stadium, reflecting the challenges that marred the match.
During the first day of the Test, only 35 overs were completed, and the playing conditions deteriorated significantly on days two and three, resulting in a complete washout. Notably, despite there being no rainfall during the scheduled hours on the third day, no play occurred. Compounding these issues, in the days preceding the Test, the public works department of Uttar Pradesh declared one of the stands at Green Park as unsafe. Consequently, the stadium management was restricted to selling tickets for only a limited number of seats in the upper levels to the public.
The operational responsibilities at Green Park Stadium lie with the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA) under a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Uttar Pradesh government. While the government retains ownership of the land, the UPCA is charged with the maintenance and management of the venue.
In the wake of the criticism aimed at Green Park due to the extensive interruptions during the Test, BCCI vice-president Rajiv Shukla, a resident of Kanpur, stepped forward to defend the stadium. He acknowledged the negative feedback following the third day's disruptions but also recognized the necessity for renovations at a venue that has been hosting Test cricket since 1952.
Despite the significant amount of lost play, India demonstrated a strong performance on the field. Within a single innings of 52 overs, they managed to score 383 runs at an impressive rate of 7.36 runs per over while dismissing the Bangladesh team for a total of 20 wickets in just over 121 overs.
The quality of the pitch used for this Test match, in contrast to the outfield's rating, received a "satisfactory" evaluation from the ICC. The governing body employs a rating system to assess pitches and outfields during all international contests, categorizing them from "very good" to "unfit." A venue that earns an "unsatisfactory" rating is assigned one demerit point, whereas three demerit points are given for an "unfit" rating. Accumulating five or more demerit points over a rolling five-year period leads to a 12-month suspension from hosting international matches.
Fortunately, the other venues utilized during India's 2024-25 international season were not subjected to ICC penalties. Of the five Tests played by India, four grounds, including those in Bengaluru, Pune, and Mumbai, received "satisfactory" ratings. Additionally, the pitch at Chennai's MA Chidambaram Stadium, which hosted the first Test against Bangladesh, garnered a "very good" classification.
These recent developments at Green Park reveal the necessity for ongoing evaluations of cricketing venues in India. The ICC's ratings system serves a crucial purpose in maintaining high standards for international cricket, thereby safeguarding the interests of players, fans, and the game itself. With this incident highlighted, it becomes imperative for local cricket associations and governing bodies to address infrastructural shortcomings and ensure that such disruptions do not tarnish the reputation of one of the world's most passionate cricketing nations.