Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and BCCI president Sourav Ganguly are likely to be among the 45,000 spectators cheering the Men in Blue, aiming to bounce back in the second of five-match series against South Africa after the defeat in the opening T20I in Delhi, at Barabati Stadium in Odisha’s Cuttack on Sunday (June 12).
Sourav on Friday informed the Odisha Cricket Association (OCA) that he will be present to watch the second India-South Africa T20I while the CM had bought the first ticket for the match.
“I am rooting for #TeamIndia for the upcoming #INDvsSA series. Hope fans from all over the world get to see an exciting match at #BarabatiStadium, #Odisha. Looking forward to see you all in #Cuttack,” Naveen had tweeted earlier. He has also appealed to the spectators to keep themselves hydrated and avoid heat stroke while watching the match.
According to sources, Naveen would reach the stadium around 7 pm. However, it is unclear if he would meet the players there. Sourav is also likely to be at the ground, which will be hosting an international cricket match after two and half years.
The BCCI president may call on the CM at Naveen Nivas, though it has not been officially confirmed yet.
Meanwhile, spectators are barred from carrying any articles, except mobile phones and sunglasses, to the stadium against the backdrop of the 2015 bottle hurling incident.
>> cigarette packets, lighters and matchboxes, gutkha, paan and other tobacco products will be confiscated at the entry gates.
>> mandatory mask use for those visiting Barabati Stadium
>> food or water are also not allowed. Food will be available at stalls set up by the Odisha Cricket Association (OCA) inside the stadium. Arrangement for drinking water has also been made by the OCA.
>> spectators have been asked to leave helmets on their two-wheelers at the designated parking places.
A total of 62 platoons of police force have been deployed at the venue for the smooth conduct of the match.
