IND vs ENG 2nd ODI: BCCI faces backlash after fans sprinkled with water to beat heat at roofless Cuttack Stadium

BCCI is facing backlash after stadium staff sprinkled water on fans to combat the heat at Cuttack’s roofless Barabati Stadium during the 2nd ODI between India and England. The incident has reignited criticism over India’s inadequate cricket infrastructure. read more

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is facing criticism after images surfaced of fans being sprinkled with water at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack during the second ODI between India and England on Sunday, 9 February. The gesture, meant to help spectators cope with the scorching heat, has reignited debate over the inadequate infrastructure at Indian cricket venues, despite the country having the world’s richest cricket board.

During the 26th over of England’s innings, stadium staff were seen dousing fans with water as they endured the sweltering conditions under a roofless stand. The temperature hovered around 34°C but felt even hotter, making it uncomfortable for the packed crowd. With no proper shade available, many were left exposed to the harsh sun for hours.

Advertisement

Check out the latest score from India vs. England, 2nd ODI

BCCI face criticism for lack of basic amenities

Videos and images of the incident quickly went viral, drawing criticism from cricket fans and analysts alike. Social media was flooded with comments calling out the lack of spectator-friendly facilities at Indian stadiums.

The Cuttack stadium staff are spraying water on fans to help them beat the heat. pic.twitter.com/20aAecGO1V — Jay Cricket. (@Jay_Cricket12) February 9, 2025

Another fan pointed out that even newly built stadiums fail to prioritise spectator comfort.

A gud example of cricket administrators not caring at all about paying fans in India is how fans are made to sit under harsh sun with no roof over them. Cuttack is one such stadium — Amit (@nottheamit) February 9, 2025

Cuttack is an old stadium so that can be understood, but issue is even at new stadiums building a roof is afterthought. example newly build stadium in Punjab, they have started hosting matches without building roof first https://t.co/1YRSzdqmey — Cricket baba (@Cricketbaba5) February 9, 2025

Advertisement

As far as the match is concerned, England scored 304 runs after winning the toss and opting to bat first. Joe Root played a fine knock of 69 runs and Ben Duckett smashed 65 runs. India will need 305 runs to win the match.

Click here to read article