Even though entry of spectators is banned at Patna's Moin-Ul-Haq Stadium, fans have managed to enter the stadium in thousands as Ranji Trophy returns to the venue after 27 years. Bihar is hosting Mumbai in this Elite Group match and there has been quite a few controversies already with 'two Bihar teams' turning up for the match, leading to a delay. However, the biggest concern has been the dilapidated conditions of the stadium.
Even though several cricketers who have represented India in national and international events are present at the venue including the likes of Ajinkya Rahane and Shivam Dube the stadium infrastructure is far from impressive with a video from before the start of the match doing the rounds on social media. There have been small posters which have been put around the stadium to indicate the danger zones and there is no proper seating arrangement either.
Viewing gallery is in a horrible condition and even the fans at the venue were finding it difficult to track scores with only one small scoreboard in the entire stadium. The viral video clearly shows that no attempt was made by the state cricket association to improve the condition of the venue despite a domestic giant like Mumbai coming to play in Patna.
Take a look at the video here:
Patna vs Bihar Ranji Trophy 2023-24: Story Of The Match So Far
While Mumbai were bowled out for 251 in the first innings, at Stumps on Day 2 of the four-day fixture, Patna find themselves reeling at 89/6 after 37 overs with Mohit Avasthi being the pick of the bowlers for Mumbai, scalping 4 wickets for 22 runs. With the bat, Bhupen Lalwani, Suved Parkar and Shams Mulani scored half-centuries for Mumbai with Veer Pratap Singh scalping a fifer for Bihar.