In this cricket-crazy nation, it is quite impossible to see empty cricket stadiums when the Indian team is playing. However, the first Test of the upcoming three-match Test series between India and New Zealand, which starts on Thursday might be played before empty stands.

The region is currently affected with dengue and so far 811 people have been tested positive for the disease. What is even more worrying is that some police personnel, who have been given the duty to overlook the security are also affected with the disease.

And the number of tickets sold so far is a clear indication that fans are not willing to take the risk. Out of 13,500 tickets earmarked for fans, only 3,000 have been sold so far.

According to reports in Hindustan Times, an official of the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA) said that no fogging has been done around the stadium which has made the fans even more concerned.

Meanwhile, the cleanliness around the stadium is another issue and the official said that the no step has been taken yet to solve the problem.

“The UPCA has already made the district administration and health department aware but nothing has been done so far ,” the official said.

“In case, fans don’t turn up during the match, UPCA has plans to give free entry to school and college students to avoid a no-fan situation during the match,” he added.

Despite the conditions looking bad, the authorities have claimed that they are taking the required measures to control the situation.

Kanpur Senior Superintendent of Police, Shalabh Mathur, confirmed the challenge being faced by the cops.

“Around 300 police personnel are undergoing treatment for viral fever and dengue, and these include station charges and constables,” Kanpur Senior Superintendent of Police, Shalabh Mathur told the daily.

He said that if the situation does not improve in time then reinforcements will be called from other districts to look over the security issues during the match.