IND vs SA: 2nd T20I is under threat after a PIL filed in Orissa HC for cancellation of match in Cuttack

IND vs SA: As per the latest developments, the 2nd T20I between India and South Africa is in danger of cancellation courtesy of a PIL filed in the Orissa High Court. The five-match T20 series between India and Proteas will begin on the 9th of June, while the 2nd game is scheduled to be played on the 12th of June at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack.

The petition has alleged that the international cricket stadium which has a seating capacity of 44000 people does not follow the mandatory fire safety standards as per the Odisha Fire Prevention and Fire Safety Rules, 2017 and Odisha Fire Prevention and Fire Safety (Amendment) Rules, 2019. Hence, it will be a risk to organize such a mega event at such a place.

South Africa are visiting India for a five-game T20I series and there will be no bio-bubble for the players in this series. Moreover, all the games will be played in front of a full capacity crowd across all venues.

IND vs SA: the 2nd T20I is in a danger to be cancelled

Sanjay Nayak, a resident of the Bhuban area in the Dhenkanal district, has filed a PIL in the Orissa High Court alleging that the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack lacks the mandatory fire safety measures at the venue. The petitioner has requested the court to cancel the match at the particular venue citing the safety concerns. The petitioner has filed the PIL against the Odisha Government, BCCI, Odisha Cricket Association, and 12 others parties in the same case.

Now, the Odisha Human Rights Commission (OHRC) has also asked for a report regarding the fire safety standards in the stadium. The commission has issued a notice to the Odisha Cricket Association and the DCP, Cuttack.

However, the OCA secretary Sanjay Behera has clarified that every mandatory fire safety arrangement will be made at the stadium before the game to avoid any unfortunate event during the IND vs SA game.