Jammu, February 21: Despite a full sunny day, the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association failed to prepare GGM Science College ground, Jammu Friday on day-two of the ongoing Ranji Trophy quarter-final, leaving fans disheartened.
After only 6 overs could be bowled on opening day due to bad light, there was no play possible on day-two of J&K vs Karnataka knockout encounter. The umpires weren’t satisfied with the condition of the ground, especially some wet patches on one side of the bowling run-up made them call-off the day.
Spectators, who were waiting eagerly to see players in action, were left disappointed. Each time umpires came out for an inspection, they roared and kept saying, “Ab toh start karaao (Start the proceedings now…)
As scores of spectators had come all the way from Kashmir to watch the game, they were highly disheartened by how the host association managed the conditions.
“We came here all the way from Kashmir and they (JKCA) couldn’t prepare the ground on a hot sunny day, it’s really not done.” Adnan, a cricket enthusiast who had traveled from Kashmir to watch the game, said.
When JKCA officials were told to explain why they couldn’t make the ground play-worthy, one of them said while talking on the sidelines,
“Whole ground was prepared but there were a few wet patches on one side of the bowling run-up, owing to which the play was called off the day as water couldn’t be removed out.”