Odisha Government Seeks Explanation from OCA Over Floodlight Malfunction During 2nd ODI
In a surprising turn of events during the second One Day International (ODI) match between England and India at the historic Barabati Stadium in Cuttack, a floodlight malfunction caused a 30-minute delay. State Sports Minister Suryabanshi Suraj announced that the Odisha government will seek an explanation from the Odisha Cricket Association (OCA) regarding the incident.
Floodlight Failure: A Cause for Concern
Minister Suraj, who was present at the stadium alongside Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and other senior officials, expressed his disappointment over the glitch. He stated, “An explanation will be sought from the OCA over the floodlight issue. This occurred despite the OCA’s prior arrangements and precautions.” The malfunction raised concerns about the preparedness of the infrastructure supporting such high-profile matches.
OCA’s Response to the Incident
In response to the incident, OCA Secretary Sanjay Behara clarified that each floodlight tower was equipped with two generators. He explained, “When one generator malfunctioned, we activated the second unit. However, there was a delay in moving it due to logistical issues with parked vehicles.” This explanation has raised questions about the overall efficiency of the setup.
Calls for Investigation
Congress MLA Sofia Firdous, who was also in attendance, criticized the glitch and called for an impartial investigation. She remarked, “What happened at Barabati Stadium today is very unfortunate. An impartial investigation should be conducted.” Her comments reflect the growing concern over the management of sports facilities in the state.
Match Summary and Performance Highlights
Despite the interruption, the match concluded with India securing a four-wicket victory, thanks to a stellar performance from Captain Rohit Sharma, who scored his 32nd century. Chief Minister Majhi congratulated the teams and the fans, emphasizing the importance of such events in promoting sports in Odisha.
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