India vs South Africa: How Barabati Stadium in Cuttack prepared for 2nd T20I after Cyclone Fani massacre 

The renovated Barabati Stadium in Cuttack is in readiness to host the second of five-match Twenty20 International (T20I) series between India and South Africa on Sunday. South Africa recorded their highest-ever successful chase of 212 runs in T20Is to beat India and take a 1-0 lead in the first match at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on Thursday. The hosts will be eager to avenge their first match defeat in the second match in Odisha’s only international stadium that will host its 26th international match and second T20I between the two sides. 

READ MORE: WATCH Babar Azam forgets cricket rules as Pakistan lose 5 runs in 2nd ODI vs West Indies

India vs South Africa: Barabati Stadium puts security measures at place

A chaotic situation erupted at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack in anticipation of the second T20I between India and South Africa on Sunday. According to a report in Odhisa TV, the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack witnessed a stampede-like situation after at least nine counters opened for the offline ticket sale on Wednesday. The situation was, then, taken care of by the local police who opened up lathi charge to bring the cricket crazy fans in the Millenium City in control.

However, for the safety and security of the players and official staffs, the Odisha Cricket Association (OCA) took necessary measures ahead of the much-awaited clash. Apart from the assigned entry and exit gates for the fans, the OCA Secretary Sanjay Behera, highlighted that there have been measures taken for a likely rain-hit match situations with fire extinguishers and other necessary equipment at place to withstand any chaotic situation.

“Both fans’ and players’ safety is very important to us. To improve security, there will be only one entry gate for each stand, but there will be multiple exit points for the same. Apart from fire extinguishers, fire blankets will be installed on every stand. Exit gates will be opened if a massive fire accident occurs. With the consultation from the BCCI Technical committee, we made a sand-based ground for a better drainage system. We purchased a rain cover for the entire FOP (field of play) area from England. Apart from that we also purchased another Super Sopper from Australia. Even if it rains throughout the day, preparations for the ground will be ready before it,” Behara told the New Indian Express.

India vs South Africa: Barabati Stadium undergoes makeover after Cyclone Fani

The hazardous Cyclone Fani in 2019 saw plenty of damage made to the Barabati Stadium. The OCA, however, overcame it by undergoing a makeover which included renovating the press box, corporate box and dressing rooms apart from reinstalling new floodlights. “The stadium installed floodlights 18 years ago to host day and night matches. However, during Cyclone Fani in 2019 the floodlight towers, press box, corporate box and the dressing rooms were damaged.

“The newly elected OCA officials were involved in the makeover of the stadium in two months to host the ODI match India Vs West Indies on 22nd December 2019. For the upcoming T20 match, the old metal lights are replaced by new sports lights. For a cricket match, 1100 lux brightness is required. The new lights will have a maximum of 3800 lux, which will help for Multimedia purposes.”