3 Reasons Why Kanpur Should Be Banned From Hosting Test Matches

Anurag Dasgupta∙ Updated: Sep 29 2024, 3:55 PM | 3 Min Read

Green Park Stadium [Source: PTI]

The Kanpur Test match had generated a lot of interest amongst fans even before the game kicked-off. India had already won the first Test in Chennai, and by winning in Kanpur, they would have clean swept Bangladesh, thus solidifying their position in WTC table.

However, with 3 days gone, just 35 overs have been bowled, as the first three days were abandoned due to relentless rain and wet outfield. Interestingly, there was no rain on Day 3, Sunday, and yet, the play was not possible as the fans went back home disappointed.

The groundstaffs tried their best, but nothing worked as Rohit Sharma and Team India have been left frustrated. So, the big question comes up, should Kanpur host a Test match in the future? The answer is no, and here are the 3 big reasons.

Poor drainage facility

The biggest issue with the Green Park Stadium in Kanpur is its poor drainage facility, and it was evident on Day 3 of the Test match, when despite no rain, the play got abandoned.

The entire square was soaked in water and despite trying out various methods, the groundsmen couldn't take the water out. Puddles were formed on the outfield, creating danger for the fielding side. While an Indian ground like the Chinnaswamy Stadium can soak the water in minutes, Kanpur has no proper facility and as a result, an important Test match, part of the WTC cycle is on the verge of being a washout.

Test cricket should only be played at 5 big centres

A couple of years ago, the former India captain, Virat Kohli stated that Test cricket should only be played at 5 big centres, and the rest of the stadiums should be allotted for ODIs and T20I matches. Maybe people took him in negative sense, but Kohli was right al along.

In England, Test cricket is only played in 5 big venues, which have historical significance. Similarly, in Australia, Test matches are only played in 5 places, signifying what Kohli wanted to say.

India have plenty of big stadiums with better facilities like Chinnaswamy, Eden Gardens, Wankhede, Chepauk, and Arun Jaitley Stadium, and if the matches are only taking place in these centres, then the Indian players can expect a certain type of pitch, weather conditions to be better prepared for the challenges.

Kanpur surface provides negative image in front of cricketing fraternity

Traditionally, the Green Park Kanpur surface has been slow and with low bounce on offer. Normally a Test cricket surface should be a sporting one, which has something for the batters, and bowlers.

However, the Kanpur pitch provides no competition as the bowlers tend to dominate here, especially the spinners. You look at grounds in England and Australia, they produce pitches in such a way that both the batters and bowlers can reap rewards.

Such a lop-sided pitch attracts ICC's attention and is on the radar of getting a demerit point. Hence, BCCI should avoid holding a Test match here.

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