When top Indian player demanded ban on Cuttack Barabati Stadium for two years

The Barabati Stadium in Cuttack once faced an alleged unofficial two-year ‘ban’ from hosting international cricket matches after crowd trouble during a 2015 India-South Africa T20I. 

With India set to clash with England in an ODI here on February 9, the spotlight returns to the venue’s turbulent past and its journey to redemption.

When & What Led to Such Situation at Barabati Stadium?

On October 5, 2015, spectators hurled water bottles onto the field during a T20I match after India collapsed to 92 runs, their second-lowest T20I total. As a result, the play had to be halted twice, for 27 and 24 minutes, as security struggled to control irate fans.

The incident drew sharp criticism, with legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar vocally demanding a ban and urging the BCCI to exclude Cuttack from hosting international matches for “the next couple of years” as a deterrent.

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Though the BCCI never officially imposed a ban, no international games were held at the venue until January 19, 2017, when India hosted England in an ODI.

BCCI’s Crackdown and Reforms

The BCCI, however, did demand a report from the Odisha Cricket Association (OCA) and condemned the incident. Despite no declaration of a formal ban was declared, the stadium’s international calendar froze for nearly two years.

The hiatus pushed the OCA to overhaul security, crowd management, and entry policies. Enhanced measures included stricter bag checks, increased security personnel, and bans on carrying bottles.

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Road to Redemption

Following the unsavoury incident, the 2017 India-England ODI marked Barabati Stadium’s comeback, with no major incidents since. Advanced surveillance, barricades, and public awareness campaigns helped restore trust and the stadium has since hosted multiple international games, including a 2019 ODI, and is now gearing up for its first ODI in six years.

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2025 India vs England ODI at Barabati Cuttack

Ahead of the India-England clash, the OCA is leaving no stone unturned. The outfield will debut a chessboard pattern crafted using a Rs 77 lakh imported mower.

Further, the pitch will be a blend of Mumbai’s red soil and Kalahandi’s black soil, promising a high-scoring game. Anti-dew chemicals will combat moisture while Australian fertilizers ensure a lush green turf.

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Tickets for the match went online on February 2, with offline sales starting on February 5-6 at the stadium counters. Meanwhile, gates for the venue will open 2.5 hours before the play on February 9.