Barabati India-South Africa match on schedule, HC sets aside plea against tie

It’s game on now at the Barabati stadium as the Orissa High Court Tuesday quashed a petition seeking cancellation of the upcoming India-South Africa T20I match here in Cuttack on June 12.

The cancellation plea was filed as Barabati stadium allegedly lacked adequate fire safety measures. The petition was filed by Sanjay Nayak of Bhuban in Dhenkanal district.

The court quashed the petition after reviewing several aspects and assurance of the Advocate General, representing the Odisha government, that the state government along with Odisha Cricket Association (OCA) had made elaborate arrangements for the smooth conduct of the international 20-20 match.

The Advocate General informed the High Court that several measures have been taken towards making fire safety measures through outsourcing and other measures. The Fire Services department has also drawn up special plans for this purpose.

As only a few days are left for the India-South Africa T20 match, the court quashed the petition after reviewing several aspects and facts presented before it.

It is pertinent to mention here that the Odisha Human Rights Commission (OHRC) was also approached with a similar prayer on the ground that there is no fire safety measure certificate as well as structural safety certificate with the concerned authorities for organising an international match.

Meanwhile, online sale of tickets for the upcoming match at Barabati has already been completed and today the process for selling tickets to schools, colleges, clubs and committees affiliated to the Odisha Cricket Association (OCA) has begun.

Under this category, a total number of 8,000 tickets will be sold. The offline tickets for the general public will be made available at different counters of Barabati stadium on June 9 and 10, 2022.