Govt launches inquiry into floodlight failure during ODI | Bhubaneswar News
Bhubaneswar: State govt has initiated an inquiry after a floodlight failure resulted in a 35-minute interruption during the India-England ODI match at Barabati Stadium in Cuttack on Sunday evening. The Odisha Cricket Association (OCA) was directed to provide clarification regarding the malfunction in the lighting system.
“We will inquire into the matter and seek an explanation from the OCA. We will find those responsible for this,” state sports minister Suryabanshi Suraj told reporters at the Barabati Stadium following India’s victory.
The disruption took place early in India’s innings when openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill were at the crease. One of the floodlights malfunctioned, leaving a section of the field dimly lit. The umpires were forced to suspend play as technicians worked to restore the lighting.
OCA secretary Sanjay Behera said a generator failed to function, leading to the temporary floodlight failure. “It took time to replace the malfunctioned generator. A heavy vehicle parked near the stadium posed an obstacle for the timely arrival of the backup generator,” Behera told TOI.
Despite the incident, the sports minister commended OCA’s arrangements. “The OCA authorities tried their best and succeeded in conducting a good match. The overall arrangements were praiseworthy. Spectators enjoyed good cricket,” Suraj said.
CM Mohan Charan Majhi, who watched the match at Barabati, appreciated the efforts of OCA, the sports department, and Odisha police in managing the event successfully. “I interacted with Indian team players, including Rohit Sharma, after his great knock. Rohit praised Odisha and is happy with the arrangements,” Majhi said.
“We will inquire into the matter and seek an explanation from the OCA. We will find those responsible for this,” state sports minister Suryabanshi Suraj told reporters at the Barabati Stadium following India’s victory.
The disruption took place early in India’s innings when openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill were at the crease. One of the floodlights malfunctioned, leaving a section of the field dimly lit. The umpires were forced to suspend play as technicians worked to restore the lighting.
OCA secretary Sanjay Behera said a generator failed to function, leading to the temporary floodlight failure. “It took time to replace the malfunctioned generator. A heavy vehicle parked near the stadium posed an obstacle for the timely arrival of the backup generator,” Behera told TOI.
Despite the incident, the sports minister commended OCA’s arrangements. “The OCA authorities tried their best and succeeded in conducting a good match. The overall arrangements were praiseworthy. Spectators enjoyed good cricket,” Suraj said.
CM Mohan Charan Majhi, who watched the match at Barabati, appreciated the efforts of OCA, the sports department, and Odisha police in managing the event successfully. “I interacted with Indian team players, including Rohit Sharma, after his great knock. Rohit praised Odisha and is happy with the arrangements,” Majhi said.
