India vs Bangladesh: Chorus rises in the BCCI to reconsider Kanpur as Test venue, members dismayed with poor infrastructure

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The poor infrastructure and lack of modern facilities in Kanpur, particularly the drainage systems, has sparked discontent among some BCCI members after rain played spoilsport in the second Test match between India and Bangladesh for nearly three days.

The concerns raised by the members and discussion about Kanpur as a Test venue hours before the BCCI's AGM in Bengaluru highlight how these shortcomings could affect the team's chances, as the Indian team was poised to secure a 2-0 series win but is now likely to settle for a 1-0 result due to the weather and poor conditions at the stadium.

Kanpur's inadequate facilities, including substandard hotels and a lack of a proper airport, further reduces its appeal as a venue for international matches. This has led some board members to say that the BCCI should reconsider assigning Test matches to Kanpur in the future, prioritising venues with better infrastructure and drainage capabilities to avoid such frustrations and ensure the team's chances aren't diminished.

Former Uttar Pradesh cricket boss and current BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla appears to have gone into a damage control mode, attempting to shift the blame for the poor drainage system at Kanpur's stadium to the state government, while also attributing the situation to the rain itself. However, this response hasn't addressed the core issue - the aging infrastructure of the Green Park Stadium and the inadequate facilities provided by the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA).

The dissatisfaction among BCCI members is palpable, with many labelling Kanpur as a "disaster" for hosting a Test match. The loss of nearly three days of play due to rain has only intensified their frustration, as it cost India a golden opportunity to potentially win the series 2-0 against Bangladesh. The lack of effort from UPCA officials to address the concerns has further compounded the issue, leaving many within the board deeply worried and calling for serious reconsideration of Kanpur as a Test venue in the future.

India's missed opportunity to secure a more dominant series victory against Bangladesh, especially after Bangladesh's historic win over Pakistan, adds to the frustration surrounding the rain-marred Test match in Kanpur. Winning by a larger margin would have undoubtedly boosted India's standing, not only in terms of rankings but also in sending a stronger message following Bangladesh's impressive form.

While the players showed little frustration outwards, it's likely that, deep down, they must be feeling a sense of disappointment. A 2-0 series win would have solidified India's superiority, but the unexpected weather disruptions and poor infrastructure left them unable to capitalise fully on the situation.