Fire Breaks Out in Eden Gardens Dressing Room During Renovation – World Cup 2023 Preparations Jeopardized
A fire erupted in the dressing room of Eden Gardens stadium in Kolkata, India, putting the preparations for the ICC World Cup 2023 at risk. The incident occurred during renovation work late on Wednesday evening. The fire was reportedly caused by a short circuit issue in the false ceiling, resulting in the destruction of players’ kits and equipment.
Fortunately, the quick response of the renovation team prevented further damage. They immediately informed the stadium management, who promptly contacted the fire department. Two fire engines were deployed to extinguish the flames and bring the situation under control. Despite several hours of effort, the fire was eventually tamed.
With Eden Gardens scheduled to host five matches in the much-anticipated World Cup, including the semi-final, this incident has raised concerns about the readiness of the venue. Additionally, Pakistan is set to play two matches at this ground, facing Bangladesh on October 31 and England on November 11. If Pakistan qualifies for the semi-finals, they will once again compete in Kolkata.
It is worth mentioning that the Pakistan team had to reschedule three matches due to various festivals in India. The updated schedule now includes matches against Sri Lanka on October 10, India on October 14, and England on November 11. Day matches will start at 10:00 am Pakistan Standard Time (PST) while all other matches will be day-night fixtures starting at 01:30 pm (PST).
The Cricket World Cup will follow a round-robin format, with all participating teams playing against each other in 45 league matches. The top four teams will qualify for the semi-finals, which are scheduled to take place in Mumbai on November 15 and in Kolkata on November 16. To ensure the smooth progression of the tournament, reserve days have been allocated for the semi-finals and the final, which will be held on November 19.
This incident highlights the need for thorough safety checks and precautions during the renovation of sporting venues. The Eden Gardens authorities are expected to conduct a detailed investigation into the cause of the fire and take necessary measures to avoid any such incidents in the future.
As the cricketing world eagerly awaits the ICC World Cup 2023, fans and players hope that these unforeseen challenges will not hinder the success of the tournament. With careful planning and prompt action, it is anticipated that Eden Gardens will be ready to welcome teams and spectators, providing a memorable experience in this prestigious cricket event.
