Hyderabad Cricket Association’s joy of bagging hosting rights to the IPL final on May 12 was marred after a strong gale force blew away a major portion of the canopy at the South End (pavilion side) of the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium late on Monday evening.
Damage assessment
“We have communicated to both the installing agency and the Insurance Company about this unfortunate development. Luckily, it is completely insured. The have sent their respective teams today to study the damage and also what can be done about it before the next two IPL games,” Panduranga Murthy, CEO of HCA, told The Hindu .
“The teams have assessed the amount of damage and remedial measures which can be taken immediately. A report by both agencies is expected any time now and based on that, we would decide on the further course of action,” Mr. Murthy said.
Imported from Australia
What may be of some concern to the HCA is that the fabric material used for the canopy when it was installed in 2011 (the stability certificate was issued by the IIT-Roorkee) had been imported from Australia, and now the issue is whether they should go for the same or look for another option to avoid delay.
“I don’t think the canopy should be a major issue in HCA hosting the next match on April 29 (Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Kings XI Punjab) or the final on May 12 as both games start at 8 p.m.,” the CEO said.
It may be recalled that HCA had installed the canopy at both South and North Ends at a cost of ₹21 crore.
Light theory
Interestingly, in 2013, make-shift floodlit towers were installed beneath the canopy at South End to cover up for the deficiency in the two towers blocked by the canopy. The HCA officials are confident that the latest incident would not be an issue even if the remaining canopy cover, which is badly torn off and hanging, is removed as that would only mean no hindrance to the lighting.
