Cold Sting in Mohali: Players Brave 9-Degree Chills in Rough Evening
India holds the record for having the highest number of cricket grounds globally where international matches have been played, with an impressive count of 70. Currently, 24 venues are utilized in a loose ‘rotation’ system, where the actual usage and the formal definition of rotation may not align perfectly.
This means that these 24 venues are alternately chosen for hosting international cricket matches. The abundance of cricket grounds in India and the flexibility in their utilization underline the vast array of choices available, making it an understatement to say that India is truly spoiled for options when it comes to hosting international cricket matches.
Mohali was granted the privilege of hosting the first of three Twenty20 Internationals against Afghanistan on Thursday. Since gaining global recognition with the India-West Indies Test in 1994, which put the then PCA Stadium in the limelight, Mohali has been the venue for numerous prestigious matches, including the 2011 World Cup semifinal between India and Pakistan. However, it’s worth noting that, for various reasons, Mohali no longer holds a position among the top grounds. The discussion of these reasons, though, is a topic for another stage.
The match on Thursday commenced at 7 pm IST with the temperature at a challenging 9 degrees Celsius. This extreme cold raises questions about fairness for both the players from Afghanistan and India, who are not accustomed to such consistently freezing conditions, let alone playing in them. Additionally, spectators, often used to enduring the heat without overhead protection, now faced the opposite extreme. The discussion emerges about the fairness of subjecting all stakeholders, including players and spectators, to such harsh weather conditions.
The day before the match, the Board of Control for Cricket in India shared a video captured during India’s practice session on Wednesday night. In an unintended way, the video became a self-inflicted setback. Axar Patel inquired about the temperature, and upon hearing it was 12 degrees, he remarked, “12? It feels like six degrees.” Washington Sundar, hailing from hot and humid Chennai, deadpanned, “Coming from Chennai, it’s pretty easy for me because back in Chennai also, we get such weather every now and then,” followed by a broad grin. Head coach Rahul Dravid, originally from Bangalore, vanished after expressing, “Very cold. For one from Bangalore, this is freezing.” Arshdeep Singh, a local player alongside Shubman Gill, showcased his humor by saying, “Feeling very hot, that’s why I am roaming around in half-sleeves! Would be nice if it was a bit colder.”
The absence of a similar video from the Afghan camp leaves their reactions to the challenging weather conditions to imagination. The decision to choose Mohali at this time of the year, in early January, raises questions. Could it be because the Punjab Cricket Association, once a cricket powerhouse, did not host any World Cup games and won’t be staging any of the upcoming five Tests against England? Does the rotation policy prioritize convenience over player and spectator comfort? Is it simply indifference that led to choosing one of the cities to avoid, considering the numerous other venues available beyond the colder north of India during this time of the year?
The plight of the average Indian cricket fan has long been highlighted, showcasing how they are taken for granted by authorities. From the challenges of purchasing tickets to facing difficulties in entering the ground and finding seating, fans often encounter disappointments. The conditions of seats, washrooms, and the high cost of food and beverages add to the frustration. The list of items not allowed into the ground is exhaustive. Unlike in many other parts of the world, where cricket-viewing is a memorable family experience, in India, it is often considered a challenging ordeal. Despite these challenges, fans continue to support their heroes, making it a puzzling but enduring phenomenon.
The neglect and indifference shown towards spectators in cricket grounds seem to have extended to the players, particularly evident in the choice of venues and schedules. While professionals are expected to adapt to various conditions, there is a call for more prudence and common sense in scheduling matches. Given that cricket, especially in the T20 format, is as much about entertainment as the sport itself, providing optimal conditions for players to showcase their skills becomes crucial. The comfort and experience of both players and spectators should be considered essential for the overall enjoyment of the game.
