Wankhede Stadium
Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium is going to play host to the prestigious World Cup final on the 2nd of April 2011.
Even with this honour, there are still rumours circulating that it isn’t ready yet. While we are all under the impression that officials would have done the inspection and the fact that there are still elements that need to be prepared should have been breaking news at this point, but no large spectacle has been made regarding this matter as of now so it obviously means it is not true.
The concerns regarding the stadium are related to the fire and safety readiness. The fire Chief Tatkare said there are many “loopholes” in the fire preparedness and that fire hydrants, no-smoking indicators, fire alarms and extinguishers all still had to be installed.
Tatkare also said “In fact the fire department is scheduled to visit the Wankhede Stadium on Monday and we are waiting for that. We are very sure that once the inspection is done, we will have all the necessary clearances.”
The tournament director Ratnakar Shetty, denied all these claims saying that there is no problem in the stadium. He said “At this moment I don’t know what is being said about the safety norms and standards, but we have taken every aspect into account and all norms have been met with”.
In terms of security however, every precaution will be taken, no alcohol will be allowed inside the stadium, everyone entering will be properly frisked, sharp instruments, glass bottles, cans, firecrackers and smoke bombs are also not permitted.
The Mumbai Cricket Association stated that the ICC has fully inspected the stadium and approved it.
The first match to take place at the Wankhede is on the 13th of March between Canada and New Zealand.
Tags: Cricket, ICC, ICC Cricket World Cup 2011, MCA, Mumbai, Mumbai Cricket Association, Ratnakar Shetty, Wankhede Stadium, World Cup
