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Government To Demand Explanation From OCA Over Floodlight Fiasco In Cuttack ODI

Soumyajit Dutta

Barabati Stadium's floodlight towers malfunctioned during the match [Source: @sdevprasad/X.com]Barabati Stadium's floodlight towers malfunctioned during the match [Source: @sdevprasad/X.com]

The Odisha government has vowed to seek answers from the Odisha Cricket Association (OCA) after a floodlight malfunction disrupted the second One Day International (ODI) between India and England at Cuttack's Barabati Stadium on Sunday. The incident cast a shadow over the state's return to hosting international cricket after an eight-year hiatus.

The highly anticipated ODI, which marked Odisha's first international cricket fixture since 2015, was halted for nearly 30 minutes during India's innings after one of the floodlight towers failed. The incident sparked immediate criticism of the OCA's preparedness, compounding earlier complaints about inadequate facilities. 

Government Questions Failed Management

Earlier in the day, spectators in the uncovered stands were sprayed with water to combat soaring temperatures, a makeshift solution that drew ridicule on social media.

State Sports Minister Suryabanshi Suraj, who attended the match alongside Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, confirmed the government's intent to hold the OCA accountable.

“An explanation will be sought from the OCA over the floodlight glitch. It happened despite taking all precautions and making elaborate prior arrangements by the OCA,” Suraj stated, as quoted by TOI.

OCA Defends Preparations, Cites Logistical Hurdle

OCA Secretary Sanjay Behera attributed the delay to an unexpected logistical issue. He explained that each floodlight tower was equipped with two generators as backup. 

“When one generator malfunctioned, we put the second one in service. But it required some time to move the generator as the players’ vehicle was parked between the tower and the second generator,” Behera told reporters.

The explanation, however, failed to placate critics, including Congress MLA Sofia Firdous, who represents the Barabati-Cuttack constituency. 

“What happened at the Barabati stadium today is very unfortunate. An impartial investigation should be conducted,” Firdous demanded.

India Clinch Victory Amid Chaotic Backdrop

Despite the disruptions, India secured a thrilling four-wicket victory, led by captain Rohit Sharma’s match-winning 119-run knock—his 32nd ODI century. Chief Minister Majhi later praised the teams and fans, calling the game enjoyable and congratulating India on their series-clinching performance.