India and New Zealand will compete in a 3-ODI series starting next month. Ekana Stadium in Lucknow, the newly constructed stadium, was supposed to host the 3rd ODI but it has been termed as ‘not up to the mark’ and as a result, the Green Park Stadium in Kanpur will host the match.
The stadium in Lucknow had recently hosted a Duleep Trophy match between India Red and India Green. ICC match referee Javagal Srinath along with few other officials inspected the stadium but as per reports, the facilities in the stadium were inadequate.
Stadium not up to the mark
“It’s not up to the mark. The ICC has not given clearance for hosting the match, so Kanpur will host the match,” said Rahul Johri, the CEO of BCCI, according to Indian Express.
“We were asked to conduct the Duleep Trophy matches on a short notice and we accepted the offer. It has helped us prepare the venue for international matches. If given the opportunity, we will not hesitate to conduct the India-New Zealand tie,” quoted the Director of Ekana Sports City, Udai Singh, according to Hindustan Times.
Daljeet Singh, the former head of BCCI’s pitch and ground committee, is currently serving as the Chief Curator of the newly constructed stadium. “We have the best playing facilities, including the biggest sight screen. To host an international tie, a few minor things need to be updated, it should not be an issue,” quoted Daljeet Singh.
The 3rd ODI of the India-New Zealand was allocated to the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA). The state board was keen to host the match in Lucknow but the stadium didn’t receive the clearance from International Cricket Council (ICC). As per sources, the construction work at the stadium is yet to be completed as elevators and outside fence are yet not built completely.
