MCA secretary apologizes over lack of drinking water after fans stage protest on Day 1 of the IND vs NZ 2024 2nd Test in Pune
Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) secretary Kamlesh Pisal issued an apology to fans over lack of drinking water facilities on Day 1 of the India vs New Zealand Test in Pune on Thursday, October 24. The move came after spectators staged a protest and raised slogans against the MCA over inadequate drinking water facilities on a hot and humid day.
India bowled out New Zealand for 259 in 79.1 overs after losing the toss and fielding first. Off-spinner Washington Sundar starred with career-best figures of 7-59. In response, the hosts went to stumps at 16-1 after 11 overs.
The day, however, was marred to an extent by complaints over lack of drinking water facilities for fans at the MCA stadium in Pune. Frustrated spectators even raised 'MCA haye haye' slogans, as per a report in The Economic Times.
“I sincerely apologize to all the fans for the inconvenience caused today, especially due to water shortage. We have already addressed it and I assure you that from tomorrow until the end of the game, free drinking water will be supplied in every stand without any problem.” Pisal was quoted as saying by The Hindu.
The report added that around lunch time on Thursday, free water kiosks in all the stands had run out of water. To make matters worse, most of the stands were without shades.
Some media reports also claimed that amid all the commotion, unknown vendors sold half liter bottles for a very high price. Reacting to the same, Pisal commented:
“The MCA has not authorized anyone to sell water, so we are getting to the bottom of the issue. And the supply at two or three points in the North Stand was interrupted since the MCA tried to serve chilled water to spectators considering the October heat."
Meanwhile, as pictures of protesting spectators went viral, a number of people took to social media to lash out at the MCA over failure to provide basic facilities to fans.
India will look to build on a great start on Day 2 at MCA Stadium in Pune
Speaking to the Test match, India got off to a great start by knocking over New Zealand for under 260 in Pune on Day 1 of the Test match. The hosts, however, lost skipper Rohit Sharma for a duck as he was cleaned up by a brute of a delivery from Tim Southee.
At stumps on Day 1, Shubman Gill was batting on 10 and Yashasvi Jaiswal on six. India trail the Kiwis by 243 runs and will be looking to take a big first-innings lead in their endeavor to square the three-match series.