India vs New Zealand Test: Thirsty cricket fans struggle for water at Pune stadium in scorching heat

Fans struggled to get drinking water on Day 1 of the 2nd Test between IND and NZ in Pune.

Day 1 of the 2nd Test between India and New Zealand occurred at Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) Stadium in Pune. New Zealand, who won the first Test last week, won the toss and chose to bat for Day 1 of the second Test. Fans were in huge numbers at the stadium to witness the crucial 2nd Test of the 3-match series between IND and NZ. They braved the scorching heat to witness the match and also struggled to get drinking water.

The Public complained of struggling to get drinking water.

As per several posts on social media, those who attended the match at the Pune stadium complained that they struggled to get drinking water on the ongoing Day 1 of the 2nd Test. During the lunch break, fans were also seen protesting against the Maharashtra Cricket Association, chanting slogans like “MCA hume paani Do, MCA hay hay.”

Fans call out the MCA and the BCCI.

Fans have been calling out the MCA as well as the BCCI for their lack of basic facilities. An X user wrote on the platform, “Exposed to weather, stinky toilets, lack of drinking water, overpriced-yet-vile food, hostile cops – that people still go to stadiums speaks volumes of their love for the game. They deserve better from administrators in their cozy boxes surrounded by lackeys.” Another user wrote, “What is going on in #IndvsNZ? Strong rumors about No drinking water facility for the fans in this scorching Heat. Absolute Shame, MCA Pune. This is no ordinary mishap…..needs to be penalized @BCCI. Absolute crime this… No Drinking water.” One user commented, “No drinking water no need of toilets. BCCI keeps it simple.”

In the ongoing second test, New Zealand won the toss and chose to bat first. In the first session, NZ lost wickets of skipper Tom Latham and Will Young. Ravichandran Ashwin has now become the leading wicket-taker in the history of the World Test Championship (WTC). He has also gone past Nathan Lyon in the overall Test wickets tally.