ODI World Cup 2023: Shortly after the revised schedule for the highly anticipated World Cup 2023 was unveiled, Fire erupted at Kolkata’s iconic Eden Gardens stadium on Wednesday. The historic venue, selected to host five pivotal matches during the event, including the crucial second semifinal, was struck by a late-night calamity as flames engulfed one of its rooms, causing damage. Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) President Ganguly has now spoken about the incident.
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How did the fire break out at Eden Gardens?
Eden Gardens, steeped in India’s celebrated cricket history with remarkable victories like the memorable VVS Laxman-Rahul Dravid partnership in the epic 2001 Test against Australia and the 1993 Hero Cup final, is presently undergoing renovations to ensure its impeccable condition for the impending World Cup. The fire incident was triggered by sparks from a sauna heater that ignited a stack of towels stored nearby, leading to an escalation of the flames. Thankfully, this minor setback is not expected to disrupt the renovation timeline.
On Thursday, “A fire broke out last night at 11.50 pm. People who were working here saw smoke and then the fire. Immediately, two fire tenders were pressed into action and flames were doused in no time. There was no damage to the dressing room as such. Only some cables were burnt. But certainly, there is no sabotage angle.”
Eden Gardens under ODI World Cup 2023 Renovation
Prior to the ICC’s largest cricket spectacular, numerous venues, including Eden Gardens, will need to be renovated. As part of the makeover, the corporate boxes, media lounge, and press box will all receive enhancements. In preparation for the 2011 World Cup, the stadium also received renovations, with the project costing about 32 million USD.
The stadium, however, was unable to fulfil the requirements of the regulations stipulated by the ICC, hence CAB was unable to host the marquee match between India and England despite spending such an astounding sum. Ganguly is taking no chances this time around though.
Although Eden was the site of thrilling India vs. Pakistan blockbuster during the 2016 World T20, a World Cup knockout game brings a completely different atmosphere, and the CWC 2023 holds immense significance for this iconic stadium as it will host a World Cup semi-final after 27 years – the India vs. Sri Lanka semi from the 1996 World Cup was the last time. The 1987 and 2016 World Cup finals were also held in Eden Gardens.
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