In a stunning flip of occasions, Raipur’s Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Stadium is grappling with an influence disaster simply hours earlier than the fourth T20 conflict between India and Australia. The coronary heart of the difficulty lies in an unpaid electrical energy invoice amounting to a staggering ₹3.16 crore, a debt that has loomed over the stadium since 2009, based on NDTV’s report. This stunning revelation has solid a shadow over the cricketing extravaganza.
No Electricity on the Raipur stadium at this time for India Vs Australia 4th T20I.
They have not paid the invoice of 3.16 Cr but. pic.twitter.com/dgMVZAqkRV
— O x y g e n X (@imOxYoX18) December 1, 2023
A 5-Year Darkness
The unpaid invoice led to a extreme consequence 5 years in the past when the electrical energy connection on the stadium was abruptly severed. Despite a short lived connection being put in upon the Chhattisgarh State Cricket Association’s request, it solely covers the spectators’ gallery and bins. The floodlights, essential for the sport’s visibility in the course of the match, can be powered by mills as a result of excellent invoice.
“As far as the stadium lights are concerned, I don’t know how much bill is outstanding but a temporary connection has been taken in the name of CSCS,” Mr Parihar mentioned.
Administrative Tug of War
The blame recreation intensifies because the Public Works Department (PWD) and the Sports Department level fingers at one another for neglecting the invoice. The stadium’s upkeep was entrusted to PWD post-construction, whereas the Sports Department was anticipated to cowl further bills. This ongoing dispute has left the invoice unpaid, triggering a precarious state of affairs on the eve of a major worldwide cricket conflict.
From Notices to Silence
Despite repeated notices from the electrical energy firm to each the PWD and Sports Department, no cost has been made to settle the overdue quantity. The excellent invoice has amassed over time, reaching a degree the place internet hosting worldwide matches is now jeopardized. The stadium, since shedding energy in 2018, has hosted three worldwide cricket matches beneath different energy preparations, inflicting concern amongst stakeholders.
The Skepticism Looms
Chhattisgarh State Cricket Sangh media coordinator Tarunesh Singh Parihar expressed skepticism in regards to the stadium’s capability to host worldwide matches easily. He revealed that for important matches, mills are utilized as a substitute association. Parihar emphasised that the stadium lights are powered by a short lived connection beneath the identify of CSCS, elevating questions in regards to the impending darkness that would overshadow this high-profile cricketing conflict.
