The 2024-25 Ranji Trophy season, already pushed back to avoid winter fog, has been hit by a new obstacle: unseasonal rains. Day two of the Karnataka-Madhya Pradesh Elite Group-C match at Indore’s Holkar Stadium was abandoned without a single ball being bowled. While the Indian Meteorological Department reported only 4mm of overnight rainfall, the ground was rendered unplayable, with the bowlers’ run-up areas particularly affected. Despite sunshine throughout the day, the pitch remained soggy and slippery, forcing officials to call off play at 3:55 PM.
This incident comes on the heels of another important venue, Kanpur, facing criticism for its failure to restart play for two full days during the recent Test series against Bangladesh. While Indore has experienced unseasonal rains in recent days, there are whispers from locals and former MPCA officials about the possible role of inadequate infrastructure. Some claim that a significant portion of the ground’s covering material, including extra sheets, were moved to Gwalior for the T20I against Bangladesh last Sunday and only returned on Saturday. This raises questions about the preparedness of the venue for domestic matches, especially given the unpredictable weather patterns.
Rohit Pandit, the Chief Administrative Officer of the Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association, however, refuted the claims, stating that full ground coverage is typically reserved for international matches and that sufficient resources were available. He acknowledged the heavy rainfall that lasted until 4:30 AM, attributing the delay to ongoing assessments of the pitch’s condition.
The ground staff, in a bid to salvage the day, employed a range of measures, including using super-soppers, exhaust fans, and sand. They even resorted to using a heavy roller to try and dry the pitch. But all efforts proved insufficient, leading to the frustrating cancellation of play. With a rain forecast extending until October 15, the decision to cover the entire ground will be at the discretion of the curator.
This incident highlights the challenges faced by organizers in a climate of unpredictable weather patterns. The lack of adequate infrastructure and the need for swift decision-making in such situations could significantly impact the progress of the Ranji Trophy. It also emphasizes the importance of having contingency plans in place to minimize disruptions and ensure a fair playing field for all teams.
