The third and final Twenty20 International between India and Australia in Hyderabad was the decider of the T20I series with having one match won by each team. But unfortunately, the series has ended on level terms being abandoned.
Despite no rain in the city, the officials decided against having the match and left the 30000 odd fans disappointed. The umpires decided the outfield at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium was unfit for play within an hour of the scheduled start of play.
Due to this, in an unusual attempt to dry the outfield, three pedestal fans propped up by plastic chairs were aimed at a particularly wet patch on Thursday. The ground staff worked tirelessly in the hours preceding the match but were unable to get the ground ready in time. The outfield was in such poor condition that the ball itself was sticking into the ground.
The outfield was inspected twice- at 7 and then again at 7:45, while the game was finally called off at 8:15 pm. When asked about the reason behind the wet outfield, sources said “The field is made in such a way that the water does not accumulate at the center, but trickles down to the outfield. We had covered the outfield too.”
Both the players and officials found it hard to walk on the ground. With this result, the three-match T20I series ended 1-1 sharing the trophy with two teams. Hyderabad, which is the home of former IPL champions Sunrisers Hyderabad, had its first-ever T20I ruined by a wet outfield.
The Hyderabad fans were however disappointed and the Indian players left no stones to disappoint their fans and did this.
When there wasn’t anything to cheer for the crowd in waiting at the wet Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on Friday, the left-handed batting of Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni, and Rohit Sharma ensured those in the stands didn’t go home without being entertained.
Blaming BCCI:
However, the fans lashed out at BCCI for their scheduling and not having reserve days for the decider. They were also fumed over the drainage facility of the ground as the earlier matches in Chennai and Ranchi started in time despite rain falling during the match.
People Demand Refund:
The fans went on lashing out at BCCI for selecting only rainy venues out of the 49 available in the country. A few even demanded the refund for the spectators with interest. The trophy was shared by both the teams.
When asked if the spectators, who thronged in the stadium with hope to catch some play, would get a refund on the tickets, the source said: “They will get around 70 percent of the amount, considering that the tax on tickets is about 28 percent.”
No Prize Distribution, Why?
The prize distribution ceremony also didn’t take place. When questioned by the reporters regarding the traditional post-series ceremony, a close source told, “It was not held keeping the security of the players in mind. Sometimes, the fans can get unruly if a match is not held. That is why the team members left the venue.”
The Men in Blue will take on New Zealand in a 3-match ODI series and a 3-match T20I series at home which begins on October 22.