CAB President Snehasis Ganguly suggests GCA to follow Eden Gardens' rain management system

The Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) president, Snehasis Ganguly, believes that the Gujarat Cricket Association (GCA) should take a cue from the Eden Gardens game plan by setting up a 'fully covered rain management system'. Notably, several concerns were raised about the draining system, after the venue staged the Indian Premier League 2023 final for the second straight time on May 29. In the same vein, Ganguly suggested the GCA follow Eden Gardens' system to deal with the rain situation.

The final got pushed into the reserve day in what turned out to be a rain-marred game between Gujarat Titans and Chennai Super Kings. Furthermore, no relief came on the second day as well with rainwater seeping into side wickets while the groundsmen attempted to dry the areas. Consequently, the grand final got curtailed to a 15-over game after some considerable delay.

However, speaking on the matter, the CAB president believes that these things are not serious concerns and can be sorted with time. If the GCA mulls over the options available, this issue will not persist for long and the venue will be ready in time to host the ODI world cup final later this year. Interestingly enough, grounds in England use Hover cover instead of the usual plastic cover to keep the side wickets safer.

Like Eden Gardens, if GCA has a provision for this, they will overcome this problem: Ganguly

Snehasis Ganguly also lauded the facilities available at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Ganguly also emphasized that every day is a learning experience. Therefore, being a new ground, getting these things rectified will not take more than two months.

"The delay was because the side wickets got wet. It's a new stadium, and I'm sure it will be rectified in due course. It's not a big issue. If they cover the full ground, there won't be this issue anymore. It's a learning process. You are learning every day. I am pretty sure they will have it before the World Cup. Like Eden Gardens, if GCA has a provision for this (full cover), they will overcome this problem. They have got all the facilities," Ganguly told PTI.

On the cost front, “It cost them around Rs 80 lakh about two years ago when they got it replaced with a fresh set. It’s just a matter of two months’ time, and it would be in place if they decide on it. It will give them double protection,” the CAB president concluded.

Meanwhile, Eden Gardens in Kolkata is the first venue in India with a fully covered rain management system. Notably, the iconic ground was awarded for being the finest venue in the IPL 2023, along with the Wankhede Stadium.