It is official. The imposing canopy at the pavilion end of the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium at Uppal, which provided the much needed relief to the spectators during the second cricket Test between India and Australia from the scorching heat, has dampened the spirits of the top brass of the Hyderabad Cricket Association as it is affecting the lighting facility at the venue. This was confirmed by M. V. Sridhar, HCA secretary, in a chat with The Hindu .
“Yes, there is an impact at the pavilion end as the canopy (roofing) comes in line with the floodlights affecting the lighting facility,” admits Dr. Sridhar. The semi-final and the final of the Cricket Celebrity League matches which were held at the stadium last weekend confirmed that the roofing indeed was an impediment for the desired lighting for hosting matches. The floodlighting was completed in April 2008 involving an expenditure of about Rs. 6 crore with each tower having 78 bulbs with a capacity of 2 KW. “We have to get it right before the IPL matches commence in the first week of April,” said Dr. Sridhar, adding, “We have asked the Bajaj Group (which installed the lighting) to find a way out.” “We are not sure what the solution is but we are working towards ensuring that everything is in place for the IPL,” Dr. Sridhar said.
