Mismanagement hampers India's preparation for second ODI

The inability of the Odisha Cricket Association(OCA) to book hotel rooms for both India and England cricket teams has halted their match preparations. Both the teams were originally set to fly to Bhubaneshwar on Jan 17 for the second ODI at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack, on Jan 19. But due to the unavailability of hotel rooms at Hotel Mayfair in Bhubaneswar, they will now travel on Jan 18.

“As decided, both the teams were scheduled to check in at Hotel Mayfair in Bhubaneswar on January 17. But as no room accommodation in the hotel was available, the BCCI, after a talk with the hotel manager has confirmed that the teams will arrive in Bhubaneswar in a chartered flight at 1.30 PM on the next day on January 18. I hope that the teams after their arrival will have a practice session at Barabati stadium in the afternoon,” former OCA secretary Asirbad Behera had announced on December 31, reported Odisha Cricnewzz.

With the schedule and venues for the series announced as early as July last year, it is unclear if the association had delayed its preparations until it was too late or if the BCCI had decided to plow ahead despite being informed of inadequate facilities for the players.

With international cricket set to return to the city after a year and half, the authorities have cautioned spectators who are looking to cause trouble. The last match at the Barabati, a T20 match between India and South Africa in 2015, saw a shameful incident unfold when angry fans started throwing bottles on the pitch as India lost the match by 6 wickets.

“We have also requested the people not to bring other articles like transistor, mirror, bugle, crackers, glass, helmets etc. Throwing any objects in or on the ground is strictly prohibited. Persons found doing so, will be handed over to the police,” Behera cautioned.

The second ODI between India and England will start at 1:30 IST on Thursday, Jan 19