A recent inspection conducted by the Uttar Pradesh Public Works Department revealed safety concerns regarding one of the stands at Green Park stadium, leading state officials to recommend that the stadium authorities limit occupancy in that area. On a Tuesday, a team from the PWD, accompanied by members of the engineering department from Harcourt Butler Technical University in Kanpur, assessed the infrastructure for any structural deficiencies.
Sanjay Kapoor, the director of the venue, described the inspection as a standard procedure that occurs before events. He noted that government departments routinely conduct their inspections to ascertain safety and readiness. The PWD and HBTU had previously evaluated the stadium three days before the match and discovered that certain seats in the C block posed safety risks, necessitating a restriction on their use.
The C stand, a historic feature of Green Park, has been undergoing repairs for the past couple of days. This upper section has the capacity to accommodate approximately 4,800 spectators; however, in light of the PWD's findings, only a fraction of these seats will be made available for sale. Kapoor confirmed that around 1,750 seats in the upper block remain open to attendees while the lower block will operate at full capacity.
The last instance of a Test match taking place at Green Park, which occurred against New Zealand in 2021, was marred by visibility issues despite the implementation of floodlights. That match concluded prematurely, with the final day’s play ending twelve minutes early, as New Zealand's last pair of batsmen clung to a tense draw. In response to these past experiences, Kapoor assured that the floodlights are fully operational and prepared for use if necessary. Given the current weather predictions for at least the initial three days of the Test, these lights may indeed play a crucial role.
When organizing an international match, it is imperative to secure permission from relevant government departments. Kapoor emphasized that claiming the event could proceed without such authorization would be inaccurate. He expressed confidence in the complete functionality of the floodlights and mentioned that preventive measures have been employed for the protection against potential disruptions caused by monkeys, which include a two-tier arrangement around the venue.
The upcoming Test match in Kanpur is set to commence on September 27. India will aim to complete a series sweep, having already secured a convincing victory against Bangladesh in Chennai just a week prior, winning by 280 runs. The anticipation for this match is palpable, as fans look forward to a thrilling contest, while officials work diligently to ensure the safety and satisfaction of spectators. The interactions between the venue management, the PWD, and other stakeholders contribute to the successful organization of this significant sporting event, underscoring the importance of safety alongside the excitement that cricket brings to fans across the nation.