Pune: Hundreds of spectators were severely inconvenienced when there was a shortage of drinking water on the first Test of India-NZ Test at Gahunje stadium on Thursday. Kamlesh Pisal, secretary of Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA), apologised to the people for the inconvenience caused. "We will ensure that the situation won't be repeated for the remainder of the match," he told the mediapersons.
"We will add more outlets of water and have also made necessary arrangements for backup storage." The ‘Free Water' boards were seen at various parts of the stadium. But around lunch time (11.
30 am) there was a huge mismatch in the demand and supply. The spectators made a verbal protest about the issue near the barricades and vent their anger on social media. Thankfully, it did not turn into any major tragedy.
Pisal claimed that the association tried to provide cold water but soon ran out due to excessive demand. And it took time to procure and provide more water. Some food vendors at the stadium, who were not supposed to sell water, then started selling water bottles at high rates, exploiting the needy.
"We are investigating the incident," said Pisal. "No one is allowed to sell water at the stadium and we will take appropriate action against them." The official version was that the issue was solved within an hour.
However, TOI saw a lack of water supply for almost three hours near some stands. There have been instances of empty water bottles being thrown on the ground in various.