Former Indian fast bowler Venkatesh Prasad has criticized Bihar Cricket Association for poor condition of cricket stadium in Patna for the Ranji Trophy match between hosts Bihar and Mumbai on Friday, January 5.
The Ranji Trophy 2023-24 season has began on Friday, with 19 matches taking place across 19 venues in India. The match between Bihar and Mumbai took place at Moin-ul-Haq stadium in Patna. However, the condition of the stadium was extremely shabby as there was hardly any place to sit for the spectators.
A X handle (formerly Twitter), Varun Giri, shared the video of poor condition of cricket stadium in Patna. The video shows danger warning for fans and the clothes are kept up for drying at Patna stadium.
Venkatesh Prasad retweeted the video with a quote, slamming stakeholders of Ranji Trophy for not valuing the 'India's premier domestic tournament'. He also questioned Bihar Cricket Association for not taking up the responsibility to resurrect poor condition of Patna stadium.
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"This is unacceptable. Ranji Trophy is the premiere domestic competition in India and it's time all stakeholders realise it's value. Don't see any valid reason for the state association not rectifying this." the 54-year-old tweet
The video of pathetic condition of Patna stadium went viral on social media. It has been reported that spectators vented their frustration towards Bihar Government, urging the need for renovating the stadium.
Previously known as Rajendra Nagar Stadium, but renamed to Moin-ul-Haq stadium to honour the founding vice-president of Bihar Cricket Association. The stadium hosted a match (international or domestic) for the first time since November 1993.
Bihar bowlers dominate Mumbai on Day 1 of Ranji Trophy 2023-24
Bihar captain Ashutosh Aman put Shams Mulani-led Mumbai to bat first in the opening day of the Ranji Trophy 2023-24 season.
Bihar bowlers had a good day as they picked nine wickets, circumscribing Mumbai to 235/9 in 67 overs on Day 1 at Moin-ul-Haq stadium in Patna. Veer Pratap Singh led the hosts bowling attack by scalping four wickets, while Sakibul Gani and Himanshu Singh picked two wickets each.
For Mumbai, Bhupen Lalwani led the batting as he scored 65 off 101 balls. He formed 91-run partnership with Suved Parkar (50 off 111 balls) after the visitors lost early wicket in Jay Bista for 2 at 5/1.
Shivam Dube and Tanush Kotian contributed with the bat, scoring 41 and 50, respectively.
