The outfield at Kanpur's Green Park Stadium, which hosted the rain-disrupted second Test between India and Bangladesh from September 27 to October 1, received an "unsatisfactory" rating from the ICC, along with a demerit point for the venue.
Due to weather disruptions, only 35 overs were bowled on the first day, with no play possible on days two and three, despite day three being rain-free during scheduled hours. Prior to the match, the public works department had flagged one of the stadium’s stands as unsafe, resulting in restricted seating for spectators in certain upper-level areas.
The Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA) manages Green Park under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the UP government, which owns the land. Per the MoU, the stadium’s maintenance falls under UPCA’s responsibility.
BCCI vice-president Rajiv Shukla, a Kanpur native, defended the historic venue, which has hosted Test cricket since 1952, but acknowledged its need for upgrades following criticism due to the washout on day three.
Despite the setbacks, India made a determined effort in the final sessions, securing 20 Bangladesh wickets in just 121.2 overs and accumulating 383 runs across two innings in 52 overs, achieving an extraordinary run rate of 7.36 per over.
While the outfield earned criticism, the pitch itself received a "satisfactory" rating. The ICC’s rating system for international game venues ranges from "very good" to "unfit," with one demerit point assigned for "unsatisfactory" and three for "unfit." Accumulating five or more demerit points in a five-year period results in a one-year suspension from hosting international matches.
Other venues for India’s 2024-25 season did not face similar criticism. Of the five Test grounds, four—particularly those used for the recent series against New Zealand in Bengaluru, Pune, and Mumbai—were rated "satisfactory," while Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium, which hosted India’s first Test against Bangladesh, achieved a "very good" rating.