Cricket

Green Park Stadium's Future in Jeopardy as BCCI Questions Hosting CapabilitiesKanpur's Green Park Stadium, a historic Test venue in India, faces an uncertain future as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) expresses concerns about its hosting capabilities. Sources within the BCCI have revealed that senior Indian players have expressed reluctance to play at the venue due to its outdated facilities.With the state-of-the-art Ekana Stadium in Lucknow and a new international stadium planned for Varanasi, Green Park faces stiff competition for hosting international matches. The BCCI has been made aware of the concerns raised by the Indian team management, who prefer to play in Lucknow with its superior facilities.The Green Park Stadium, built in 1949, has a charming old-world charm but lacks modern amenities. For the ongoing Test match between India and Bangladesh, one of the stands has been deemed unsafe for full capacity seating. Structural issues with a floodlight tower and questionable hygiene and maintenance standards have also raised concerns."The stadium in Varanasi should be ready well before the T20 World Cup in India in 2026," said a BCCI source. "Green Park needs an overhaul and better management. The BCCI can't really say when the next international match will be played here."Despite the challenges, the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA) is making efforts to attract spectators to the Test match. They have invited families of martyred soldiers to attend the match and plant saplings in their honor as part of a go-green initiative.The future of Green Park Stadium remains uncertain as the BCCI weighs its hosting capabilities against the availability of more modern venues. The stadium's rich history and nostalgic charm may not be enough to secure its place in the international cricket calendar.