Cuttack, Jan 11: Countdown for the much-awaited One Day International match between India and England scheduled at Barabati Stadium in the Millennium city on Jan 19 has begun. Talking about the preparations for the match, chief executive officer (CEO) of the Odisha Cricket Association, Bidyut Kumar Nayak said the ground has been made ready for net practice and the match. Besides, numbering of seats in the galleries has been completed while arrangements have been made for sale of tickets in the stadium counters. Barricading in and outside the stadium has also been finished.
Asked about steps taken by the OCA on sale of tickets through cashless transaction, he said sale of tickets to affiliated members and associate members and staff of OCA would be made through cashless transaction at the OCA Conference Hall on Jan 14 and 15. The cashless transaction would be made with amount exceeding Rs 2000. Those who will purchase two tickets for the galleries will pay in cash while those purchasing of a ticket for Special Enclosure (Rs 3000), New Pavilion (Rs 5000), AC Box in Gallery No-4 (Rs 5000) and Corporate Box (Rs 8000) will have to pay cash either through bank draft or debit card.
He also informed that to keep watch on unruly elements, CCTV cameras have been installed at different places inside the stadium. Briefing media persons after visiting the stadium, the RDC said he had visited to the stadium to oversee the ongoing works in the stadium. Talking about the steps taken to prevent the spectators from throwing any objects at the ground, Ota said OCA has taken specific measures in this regard. Asked whether the district administration has got more responsibility in the conduct of the match following the dissolution of OCA Managing Committee as per the directive of the Supreme Court, he said neither the district administration nor the OCA can accomplish this task alone. Sources said Police Commissioner YB Khurania and senior police officials will be visiting the stadium today to take stock of the security measures.
