Kanpur’s Green Park Stadium is likely to host just one match in the ongoing edition of the Indian Premier League instead of two due to pressing logistical issues.
Kanpur has shown a lot of eagerness to host at least two IPL games this season but it now has to be satisfied with one.
The primary reason is there is just one five-star hotel in the city. Moreover, the nearest airport is situated in Lucknow, which is about 71 km from the city.
According to an Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA) official, the city, in all likelihood, will host the May 19 match between Gujarat Lions and Kolkata Knight Riders.
There was a proposal to hold the May 21 game between Gujarat Lions and Mumbai Indians here as well but the limited number of rooms available in just one five-star hotel in the city to accommodate three teams at the same time has diminished the chances.
The official said that IPL chairman Rajeev Shukla, whose hometown is Kanpur, is leaving no stone unturned to make sure that the people of Kanpur witness a day-night game at the Green Park stadium here.
However, there are also some issues with the brightness of the floodlights and the authorities have asked for another week’s time to fix the problem.
But the venue getting the green signal to host an IPL match will depend on the report of the BCCI’s technical team, which will land here to inspect the ground.
The date of inspection is yet to be decided.
