Venue for India-New Zealand moved from Lucknow to Kanpur

The newly built Ekana Stadium in Lucknow, which was initially scheduled to host its first International match in the India-New Zealand series, has been termed ‘not up to the mark’. Kanpur will now host the third ODI in place of Lucknow later in October.

The stadium recently hosted the Duleep Trophy, featuring India Red and India Green. ICC match referee Javagal Srinath along with others went on to inspect the stadium but according to reports, the facilities in the stadium was found inadept.

The third match of the series was allotted to Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA). The Board decided to host the match in the newly built stadium. If sources are to be believed, a lot of infrastructure-related work such as the elevators and outside fence is yet to complete. Therefore, the stadium still awaits for the clearance from International Cricket Council.

Infrastructure Work still incomplete in the stadium

“It’s not up to the mark. The ICC has not given clearance for hosting the match, so Kanpur will host the match,” claimed BCCI CEO Rahul Johri 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,” claimed the Director of Ekana Sports City, Udai Singh, according to Hindustan Times.

Daljeet Singh, who was the former head of BCCI’s pitch and ground committee, is presently appointed as the Chief Curator of the newly built 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