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Cuttack, Sept 25: The Barabati Stadium is all set to host the India-South Africa match October 5, and last minute preparations are in full swing. This was disclosed by the secretary of the Orissa Cricket Association (OCA), Asirbad Behera during a press conference at the OCA conference hall at the Barabati complex here Friday.
“The Barabati Stadium is ready for the India-South Africa T20 match,” said Behera. “The preparatory work is in its last stage. Even if it rains a day before the game, we are ready to tackle the situation. A good drainage system is in place and the super soppers will be placed into action if necessary,” he added.
All the 7, 200 online tickets have been sold. The remaining 13,500 tickets will be sold from Counter No.1, 2 and 3 respectively, October 1 and 2. State Bank of India has been given the responsibility to sell the tickets. “There is a huge demand for tickets as it is evident from the online sales. So, we are confident that the remainder of the tickets will be sold very quickly,” Asirbad exuded confidence.
Asirbad, however, ruled out the presence of cheerleaders during the game. He also informed that sufficient food and water will be available for the spectators.
The game has an insurance coverage of Rs 20 crore for which OCA has given a premium of Rs 9,00,000. “The teams will arrive at Bhubaneswar October 3. Most probably they will practice at the Barabati Stadium in the evening of October 4. The gates of Barabati will open at 3 pm on the day of the game,” Asirbad informed.
Among others, OCA treasurer Satya Mohanty, joint secretary Sanjib Dutta and vice-presidents Khitish Samantray, Dhiren Palei and media manager Anjan Khuntia were also present.
