Hyderabad: While action in the troubled IPL-9 is set to get underway at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium (RGICS) in Uppal from Saturday, host Hyderabad Cricket Association is gearing up to face the heat, literally. With mercury soaring to a 43-year-high of 43 degree Celsius on Wednesday, HCA officials are sweating over scorching stands.
While much of the 35,000 capacity RGICS is covered by roof, the East and West stands that collectively hold 22,000 seats remain open to sky despite assurances over the years by various officials at HCA’s helm to ‘look into the matter.’
This year too, there has been no breakthrough. “We have spoken to the home franchise and explored the option of getting cardboard hats distributed, even agreeing to bear the costs but Sunrisers Hyderabad have explained that it is one of their sponsors who usually gets the complimentary headgear done and that it is not happening this time around,” HCA secretary John Manoj told this correspondent on Wednesday.
RGICS is scheduled to host seven matches involving Sunrisers Hyderabad. The first game against Kolkata Knight Riders begins at 4 pm while the rest have 8 pm starts. “It’s an hour’s strain for those in the East block that holds 11,000 seats until the sun goes down,” John says of the first game, adding, “the gates for that would be open at 1 pm though.”
However, John assures HCA has everything else covered. “We are taking all precautions by arranging ample water as well as medical aid in all areas to deal with heat strokes or other emergencies,” he said.
“As many as 20 doctors from Apollo Hospitals will be on call at the venue to attend to medical issues. Also, three ambulances, fully-equipped with hospital apparatus, would be stationed at the Stadium — at Gates 1, 3 and 7. One of the VIP boxes too has been converted into a medical centre,” John explained.
When the Stadium was conceptualised and foundation stone laid in 2004, a protective roof was running all around as showcased in the prototype.
However, deviations coupled with installation of floodlights in 2007 meant the light towers ran too close, blowing the planned roof off the East and West stands where spectators using placards to generate shade is a common, embarrassing sight. HCA authorities would do great service to cricket fans if they address this burning issue at the earliest.
