Angry Odisha Government Demands Answers From OCA Over Embarrassing Floodlight Gaffe During 2nd IND vs ENG ODI

The second ODI between India and England was successfully conducted at Cuttack, with the home team winning in the end. However, the floodlight failure at the Barabati Stadium proved to be a significant setback in the game.

The failure of one of the eight floodlights caused the match to be delayed by around 30 minutes, which frustrated both the players and the fans. However, the action resumed without more delays.

The incident occurred while India was batting in the second innings of the contest. After 6.1 overs, the match was called off after one of the eight floodlights went out around 6.15 p.m. The floodlights were turned back on at 6:21 p.m., and it appeared that the action would begin soon.

The Floodlight tower switches off leading to 30 mins delay in India's innings

However, as bowler Saqib Mahmood prepared to bowl the next delivery, the lights went out again. After some time, the players and umpires returned to the pavilion. Rohit Sharma appeared to be in good form and eager to continue. India was 48-0 at the moment.

The spectators, who had gathered in thousands of numbers patiently waited for the match to get underway again. The DJ on the ground tried his best to entertain the crowd by turning out the music loudly.

Odisha government demands an explanation from Odisha Cricket Association (OCA)

Despite the terrible delay, the match was completed successfully, leaving the Odisha Cricket Association (OCA) ashamed. Suryabanshi Suraj, Odisha's sports minister, has even stated that the government will seek an explanation from the OCA on this matter.

Suryabanshi Suraj was in the stadium to see the game, along with Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and a few other top cabinet members. As a result, the floodlight failed immediately in front of the state's ministers, embarrassing the OCA officials.

"An explanation will be sought from the OCA over the floodlight glitch. It happened despite taking all precautions and making elaborate prior arrangements by the OCA," Suraj was quoted as saying by TOI.

India won the ODI series vs England

The OCA later defended the event, explaining that they had planned to have two generators for each floodlight, but it took some time to transfer the generator because the players' van was parked in that area.

"When one generator malfunctioned, we put the second one in service. But it required some time to move the generator as the players' vehicle was parked in between the tower and the second generator," OCA secretary Sanjay Behera told the reporters.

India chased down England’s 304 thanks to Rohit Sharma’s 119 and Shubman Gill’s 60 as the Men in Blue won by 4 wickets.

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