Hyderabad Cricket Association’s joy of getting the IPL final on May 12 was marred with a strong gale force blowing away a major portion of the canopy at the South End (Pavilion side) of the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium late on Monday evening.
“We have communicated to both the installing agency and the Insurance Company about this unfortunate development. Luckily, it is completely insured . They have sent their respective teams today to study the damage and also what best can be done before the next IPL games,” Panduranga Murthy, CEO of HCA, informed Sportstar .
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“Well, the teams have assessed the amount of damage and the remedial measures which can be taken immediately. A report by both the agencies is expected any time and based on that we should proceed further,” Murthy said.
What may be of some concern to the HCA is that the fabric material used for the canopy when it was installed in 2011 (the stability certificate was issued by IIT Roorkee) had been imported from Australia. The issue is whether to go for the same or look for another option to avoid delay.
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“I don’t think canopy should be a major issue in HCA hosting the next match on April 29 (Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Kings XI Punjab) or the final on May 12 as luckily both are 8 pm games,” the CEO said.
It may be recalled that HCA installed the canopy at both South and North Ends at a cost of Rs. 21 crore.
Interestingly, in 2013, make-shift floodlit towers were installed beneath the canopy at South End to cover up for the deficiency in the two towers blocked by the canopy.
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