Cuttack likely to miss out on hosting India v New Zealand T20I

The Odisha Cricket Association (OCA) has found itself in a serious conundrum. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) recently announced the grand home season of Indian cricket for the upcoming winter. OCA’s premier venue, Cuttack, was named to host a T20I between New Zealand and India on November 4 as per the released schedule.

However, the state association now finds itself in a situation wherein they might miss out on hosting the game to be played at Cuttack. As per the reports in the Telegraph, the festival of Bali Yatra also starts on the same date. Hence, the clash of two big events will make it tough for the security forces to be deployed for both events. The OCA adhoc Working Committee Chairman Dhiren Pillai quoted that they will not be able to host the game.

“We will not be able to host the India-New Zealand T20 match in Cuttack on November 4 as Bali yatra starts on the same day this year,” Dhiren Palai quoted.

Security issues

Bali yatra is an annual week long fair which starts on the day of Kartika Purnima every year. The yatra starts near the Barabati stadium in Cuttack. Palai cited the logistical and security constraints that the administration will face if they somehow try to squeeze in the international fixture. A large number of security personnel will be needed for the yatra.

“Holding an international match at that time at Barabati Stadium will not be possible as more than 10 lakh people throng to witness the yatra necessitating deployment of more than 45 platoons of police, along with quick action teams and rapid action forces. Besides, the district administration, which organises the yatra, remains on the tenterhooks for nearly a fortnight,” he added.

He further added that they have written to the BCCI regarding the same and are hoping to get some other international game after the yatra is done.

“We have told the board why we are unable to hold the T20 match between India and New Zealand on November 4. We have sought allotment of any other international match between October end and after November 20,” Palai noted further.