It’s official: Barabati match cancelled

OST Sports Bureau

Cuttack, Oct 26:

The fifth match of the ongoing one day international (ODI) series between India and Australia, scheduled to be played at the Barabati Stadium today, was predictably cancelled due to soggy outfield conditions.

Match referee Roshan Mahanama, along with the three umpires for the match, decided after inspecting the ground that the outfield was not in a condition for holding of a international match, Odisha Cricket Association (OCA) honorary secretary Asirbad Behera told media persons.

The match referee and the umpires were of the opinion that though the pitch was not affected, too much of water had gone into the outfield for the match to be played, he said.

Behera also announced that the three-day practice match between West Indies and Uttar Pradesh scheduled to be played at the same venue from October 31 and November 2 has now been shifted to Mumbai since there is little possibility of the ground condition improving by then.

The OCA secretary said those who bought tickets for the match can get a refund at the counters from November 8 and 15.

The cancellation of the match has left fans, who had braved heavy rains to buy tickets for the match, disappointed.