Spectators Face Water Shortages and Extreme Heat at MCA Stadium, Pune
The MCA Stadium, located on the outskirts of Pune, has a capacity of 37,000, yet lacks adequate shading for most fans, as only six stands are covered. This led many to endure the scorching sun directly, increasing the demand for water.
Fans at Pune’s MCA Stadium faced tough conditions on the first day of the second Test between India and New Zealand, as a lack of access to water on a hot and humid day left many dehydrated and struggling. Over 30°C temperatures added to the strain, with reports of around 20 people requiring attention at the first-aid kiosk after suffering from dehydration and dizziness. Issues arose when fans from the North Stand found no water available, prompting police intervention to control the large crowd.
The MCA Stadium, located on the outskirts of Pune, has a capacity of 37,000, yet lacks adequate shading for most fans, as only six stands are covered. This led many to endure the scorching sun directly, increasing the demand for water. While MCA had promised free water to attendees, fans reported paying vendors high prices for bottled water amid the chaos. One attendee stated he spent more on water than the ticket for the entire match.
Following the incident, MCA Secretary Kamlesh Pisal expressed regret for the inconvenience, committing to better access from the second day onward. "We can only apologize to the fans," he said, explaining that MCA had decided to provide cold water after previous complaints about warm or boiling water. Pisal explained that the delay occurred when refilling the cooled water containers, but assured fans that all stations would be restocked adequately to avoid future issues.
