Fans attending the first day of the second Test match between India and New Zealand at the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) Stadium, Pune, faced severe discomfort as a lack of water and inadequate shelter from the heat led to chaos and health concerns.
Despite the sweltering temperatures exceeding 30 degrees Celsius, approximately 18,000 spectators turned out for the highly anticipated match, the first Test at the venue since 2019. However, many fans found themselves exposed to the intense heat, with only six of the stadium’s stands offering any roof coverage, leaving over half the crowd vulnerable to the elements.
Complaints of dehydration and heat-related illnesses emerged during the lunch break, prompting police intervention to manage large crowds forming at water access points. Reports indicated that around 20 fans sought medical assistance for dehydration and giddiness at the first-aid kiosk, with staff noting that similar cases were likely occurring in other areas of the stadium.
Adding to the frustration, fans who had been promised free water were left with no choice but to purchase bottles from vendors at inflated prices, with some stating they spent more on hydration than their match tickets.
MCA Secretary Kamlesh Pisal addressed the situation, apologizing for the inconvenience and assuring fans that additional water booths would be established for the following days of the match. “We can only apologize to the fans for the inconvenience caused,” Pisal said. “We want to assure them that this won’t be repeated, and everything will be taken care of.”
He explained that the stadium management had opted to provide cold water after previous complaints about warm offerings. However, logistical issues in refilling the coolers led to delays, exacerbating the discomfort among fans.
“We did a thorough check of the water supplies in the stands and will ensure proper refilling to avoid such situations in the future,” Pisal added.
As the heatwave continues to impact Pune, spectators hope for improved conditions and accessibility as they cheer for their teams in the upcoming days of this crucial Test Match.
