Will Barabati Stadium Avoid Past Mistakes for Upcoming India-South Africa T20 Match?

Concerns Raised Ahead of T20 International

Bhubaneswar: As the India-South Africa T20 international approaches, set for December 9 at Cuttack's Barabati Stadium, the BJD has emphasized the need for the Odisha Cricket Association (OCA) and the state government to prevent previous issues such as 'floodlight failure' and ineffective pass distribution from happening again.

In a statement from party spokesperson and media coordinator Lenin Mohanty, the BJD highlighted the problems experienced during the India-England ODI earlier this year, including the floodlight malfunction and poor management of passes, insisting these must not be repeated.

Mohanty stressed the importance of robust security measures, especially in light of the recent terror incident in Delhi and the heightened alert status across the nation.

"The international match must proceed smoothly... The floodlight failure caused significant embarrassment, and such occurrences cannot be allowed again. Both the OCA and the state government must exercise utmost diligence," he remarked following a high-level review meeting led by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi regarding match preparations.

BJD spokesperson Mihir Ray noted that despite several preparatory meetings, including some chaired by the Chief Minister, the floodlight issue arose without clear accountability.

"Aside from a mere show-cause notice to the OCA, no real responsibility was established," he stated.

Ray also mentioned allegations of irregularities in ticket distribution, claiming that many cricket enthusiasts were unable to secure tickets while local BJP leaders were seen acquiring passes with ease.

"The management of tickets and passes for the December 9 match must be transparent and organized," he insisted.

Reports suggest that the number of tickets available for public sale has been decreased this time, with OCA officials already distributing match tickets to the Chief Minister and other ministers, according to the BJD.

"Beyond symbolic gestures, what truly matters is the flawless execution of the match," Mohanty added.

He urged that this year's preparatory and review meetings should not become a mere formality and called on the OCA and the state government to act responsibly to prevent a recurrence of last year's controversies.