Dr YS Rajasekhara Reddy-Andhra Cricket Association-Visakhapatnam District Cricket Association is the longest named cricket stadium in the world. The name of former chief minister was affixed after he passed away last year. The stadium, which lies in the outskirts of the city and between two hillocks, had hosted the first match in 2005. It was also for the first time that the match was held under floodlights.
Black marketeers rule
They came in huge numbers, some came from the surrounding districts. But some went home disappointed. Interestingly, only 14,000 tickets were sold in the 28,000 capacity stadium, the rest were complimentary. But what angered the people that lowest denomination of Rs 250, which were few, vanished within few minutes of the sale. Although some of the higher denominations were still available before the start of the match, the crowd preferred to purchase Rs 250 from black marketeers and watch the match.
Cops caught boozing
The local Telugu television channels captured the local cops taking alcohol while on duty. The cops were caught off guard when the TV cameras caught them in action. According to local scribes, the cops ran away with bottles in their hands.
Third-time lucky
The Vizagites were third time lucky as twice their matches had to be cancelled. The Sri Lanka and South Africa matches, which were scheduled in December and January, could not be held because of the Telengana agitation. However, the BCCI allotted this match to Andhra Cricket Association (ACA).
Spectators have tough time
The Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation, who assured water sachets to the spectators, failed to provide in the first session of the match. The spectators had a tough time as the mercury touched more than 31 degree Celsius.