As the new cricket season begin, fans stayed away from India vs New Zealand Kanpur Test due to epidemic dengue and chikungunya which created a havoc around the stadium.
India’s bowling spearhead Ishant Sharma ruled out from the first Test due to chikungunya. Fans preferred to watch the match on TV.
One of the fans Rajesh Sachdeva decided to watch the game from Green Park, but the disease kept him away from the match among others.
“The day I heard about the epidemic in Kanpur, I chose to give away my tickets as I don’t find it suitable to let everyone watch the match in the open,” Sachdeva said. “I am leaving for Chandigarh as we have plans to enjoy the match in the drawing room of my brothers’ house. This will also be a vacation for the family,” said Sachdeva, who runs an automobile spare parts shop here.
Yes, Sachdeva’s apprehension proved right as over 1000 local residents, including 300 policemen have tested positive for dengue and chikungunya.
“This added to my fear when I heard today (Wednesday) that Ishant Sharma too is down with chikungunya and will not play the first Test,” he said.
Even, school children, who were invited by BCCI, didn’t pay heed to the invitation as their guardian found Green Park ground is prone to dengue and chikungunya.
Even the famous ‘Thagoo ke Ladoo’ at the stadium, to celebrate India’s 500th Test, didn’t work.
“We will not send nursery and junior students (who wear half shirts and shorts) for the match, but have allowed senior boys and girls (who wear full shirts and salwar kurta),” said the head of a reputed school. “We have asked the students to apply anti-mosquito repellents during the match.”
Meanwhile, at least three persons, including one affected with a chikungunya, died here on Tuesday and the number could rise as almost all the city hospitals are bursting at the seams.
“The sale of tickets is poor due to this fear, and it is alarming for us too,” said an official of the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association. “Hot and humid conditions have forced fans to avoid coming to the ground,” he added.
The municipal authority claimed measures were being taken to make the stadium clean and its surroundings.
“A special drive has been launched as we are concerned about the former captains who will be here for the opening of the historical 500th Test on Thursday morning,” he said.
