The Battle of the Battleground – Wankhede Stadium

Renovated Wankhede Stadium

When you’re talking World Cup in Mumbai, you’re definitely talking Wankhede. Known to have witnessed many competitive matches, Wankhede is finally groomed to host World Cup 2011. It’s going to see the best of the 14 cricketing teams scramble towards the Golden trophy.

What we hear from the World Cup tournament director- Prof. Ratnakar Shetty is this that they spent Rupees 2.5 crores on the outfield and drainage system of the grounds, ensuring there is no water-clogging!

It’s funny why anyone would arrange for effective drainage in the winter months of Mumbai! But nevertheless, we’re proud of the organizing committee!

And now when we think the stage is all set (or should we say the Stadium, instead?), the city mayor Shraddha Jadhav has her own fancy demands to make. She wishes to catch the three matches scheduled at Wankhede. However, she writes to the Mumbai Cricket Association to arrange for a special gallery for her to watch these matches! Not only that, she also demands a gallery for her colleagues.

And while the mayor and deputy mayor are expected at this venue, crowd regulation is in doldrums. The Mumbai police refused to deal with hooligan spectators. Police however, agrees to be vigilant at the gates, performing the security checks for the audience. It will also ensure that the international players are safe. Mumbai police advices the organizing committee to employee private security for keeping a tab on rowdy crowds, shirking off the responsibility from their shoulders at this crucial time.

The new Wankhede stadium which is expected to echo the passion of the World Cup, has come a long way; yet is a few steps away from completion.

This reminds me of the situation of the CWG stadium. Problems persisted, news reports poured in, yet CWG made it Grand and Royal. Why not expect the same from the World Cup, eh? After all, when it’s about cricket world cup, Indians won’t mind going thirsty and hungry, let alone working 48 hours each day to make it a splendid experience for the players and historic series for the spectators!