India-Bangladesh Test in Kanpur to Proceed Despite Protest Threats
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has confirmed that the second Test match between India and Bangladesh will proceed as scheduled in Kanpur on September 27, despite threats of protests.
The decision comes after concerns arose following threats issued by the Hindu Mahasabha regarding alleged violence against Hindus in Bangladesh. However, a BCCI source has stated that they are not considering alternative venues and the match will take place as planned.
“We are monitoring the situation with the concerned authorities, but we have done everything to hold that match,” the source told India Today. “The stadium is ready to welcome our and visitors’ teams. It’s not going anywhere. It will be in Kanpur, but we will keep monitoring the situation.”
Meanwhile, Bangladesh batter Litton Das has revealed that the team is adjusting to the SG balls ahead of the series. Bangladesh typically uses Kookaburra balls in home internationals, but India uses SG balls, which have a more prominent seam.
“The ball will be a different one in India,” Das said. “It is a little harder to play against the SG ball. The Kookaburra ball is easier to play when it gets old. It is the opposite with the SG ball. It is harder to get away against the old ball when it’s the SG.”
India’s squad for the first Test against Bangladesh includes Rohit Sharma (C), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Sarfaraz Khan, Rishabh Pant (WK), Dhruv Jurel (WK), R Ashwin, R Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohd. Siraj, Akash Deep, Jasprit Bumrah, and Yash Dayal.