New Delhi: After the third T20 match between India and South Africa was abandoned due to wet outfield, questions are being asked whether Eden Gardens is equipped to hold the final of the ICC World Twenty20 next year.
Yesterday's incident was baffling considering it rained for around 25 minutes at 1 pm, and the ground was still wet when the play was called off at 9:30 pm.
The Indian Express reported on July 9 that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had sent a mail, asking the CAB to overhaul the Eden outfield and improve drainage system before the World T20.
But the request seems to have fallen on deaf ears, as the CAB found itself in an embarrassing situation on Thursday.
Blaming the fiasco on its curator Probir Mukherjee, CAB treasurer Biswarup Dey said the veteran should step down and hand over the charge to someone young.
"There was rain forecast but he chose not to cover the ground as a precaution. With due respect, I feel he's getting old and it's time that he gives the responsibility to someone young," Biswarup said.
However, Indian Team Director Ravi Shastri backed the 84-year-old curator.
"Where will the water go? It's rainy season. The groundstaff did a great job when I saw the outfield. I think Probir da (curator Probir Mukherjee) should be complemented. Though we didn't play on it, the pitch even looked good," Shastri told reporters.
The BCCI however, wouldn't be happy with yesterday's incident and it's time for Sourav Ganguly, the CAB president-designate to turn things around before it's too late.
(With Agency inputs)
