Watch: Spectators at Sher-i-Kashmir Stadium express disappointment on having to deal with substandard amenities

Jammu & Kashmir hosted Maharashtra at the Sher-i-Kashmir Stadium today for the Round 1 clash of the 2024-25 edition of the Ranji Trophy. Opener Shubham Khajuria registered a commedable 130* to drive the home team to a total of 264/5 at the end of the first day.

The local fans had much to cheer about the proceedings on the field. However, there was not much to be delighted about when it comes to the facilities for them at the ground. Despite there being properly-built stands at the venue, the crowd was forced to sit on the cement steps in dusty surroundings. 

"We haven't been allowed to sit in the stands which have been perfectly built. They have been locked up and we have been told to sit here, the same place where the security staff of this ground dry their clothes," said a spectator who voiced out his dissatisfaction.

"They told me if you want to watch the game you have to go to the backside and this is the condition of where I am sitting right now. No toilet facilities, no water facilities, I mean this is the basic amenity of life. These services should be there. The disappointing fact is that the stands are completely fit for us to be seated, but still, we have been guided to sit here, for reasons unknown to everyone," expressed another spectator at the venue.

Also Read: Ranji Trophy 2024-25: Round 1, Day 1 Review

Srinagar to host one more game this season

Other than the ongoing game, the venue Sher-i-Kashmir Stadium in Srinagar is scheduled to host another game. Services will play J&K with the game scheduled to commence on October 26, 2024.

Also Read: Suryakumar Yadav available for Mumbai's Ranji Trophy game against Maharashtra

Coming to the current match, Khajuria stands unbeaten with wicketkeeper-batter, Shivansh Sharma, at the other end on 18 off 68 balls. For Maharashtra, it was Hitesh Walunj who bowled the maximum number of overs and struck the maximum times as well, with skipper Paras Dogra and Abdul Samad being his victims.