Ind Vs SA T20: Barabati may welcome back spectators

The historic Barabati stadium in Cuttack might welcome back spectators to watch their favorite cricketers in action during the T20 match between India and South Africa scheduled to be held on June 12.

Officials of Odisha Cricket Association (OCA), CDA Chairman, Cuttack Collector and the CMC Commissioner conducted a ground visit in this regard at the Baliyatra field to identify the parking places for use by the spectators.

Speaking to reporters, OCA Secretary, Sanjay Behera said, “We have requested the government to allow spectators to watch the cricket match in Barabati. And I am sure the government will decide in affirmative.”

Sources said the local administration is planning to develop the lower Baliyatra field which has been filled with sand, for parking purpose.

Commissioner of Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC), Ananya Das said, “While the lower Baliyatra field is likely to be used for general parking, the upper Baliyatra field will be used for specific parking.”

“We have identified other small spaces nearby to use as additional parking pockets keeping in view the traffic congestion during the event,” she added.

Team India is going to lock horns with the Proteas in the first T20I match of the series at Barabati Stadium in Cuttack on June 12.

The visitors South Africa is scheduled to play a 5-match T20 series in India from June 9 to 19.

Notably, Barabati had earlier lost out from hosting India-West Indies first T20I tie of the three-match series scheduled to be played on February 15 in view of the surge in Covid-19 cases in India.

The BCCI was later forced to host the ODIs and T20Is in just two cities – Ahmedabad and Kolkata – in order to maintain a stable bio bubble for players and coaching staff.