ACA earns praise for fan-friendly conduct at Vizag ODI

The ACA’s professional and fan-friendly conduct during the India–South Africa ODI in Visakhapatnam drew widespread appreciation. From seamless entry and courteous staff to transparent ticketing and well-maintained facilities, the match showcased why Vizag continues to be a preferred venue for major international fixtures.

HYDERABAD: For all the fans who soaked in the victory celebrations as KL Rahul-led India clinched the three-match one-day series at the ACA-VDCA International Stadium in Visakhapatnam last Saturday, it was just not another match which they witnessed in the ‘City of Destiny’ which also happens to be the favourite and lucky venue for the Indian team over the years.

Unlike in many other centers across India, the entire atmosphere is fan-friendly with no hassles for a free entry into the stadium. The usual harakiri or the high-handedness of the authorities seen at other centers was clearly missing. Importantly, they were allowed to witness the post-match presentations unlike in Hyderabad where they are just shunted out.

Interestingly, Andhra Cricket Association Chief Executive Officer Girish Dongre is a Hyderabadi who served the HCA in different capacities and was also with the BCCI for major assignments. It was interesting to see him clear the ‘dug out’ zone of the Indian and the South African teams from any ‘unwanted’ persons from the area.

One of the most pleasing aspects of the whole show is the way the authorities at the venue behaved in a very dignified manner with the spectators, media and officials is a welcome feature.

With a no-nonsense approach, the ACA team of officials, with President Kesineni Sivanath and the Secretary Sana Satish heading it, has ensured that all match tickets were sold online to avoid any irregularities and also turnstiles for ticketing scanning to avoid any fraudulent practices.

That Vizag continues to be the major destination for most of the international fixtures now is perhaps a vindication of the professional way the ACA has been going about its job. The women’s World Cup fixtures, the India-South Africa one-dayer last week and the women’s T-20 internationals soon at the same venue are a result of meticulous planning on various fronts.

Interestingly, there were many from Hyderabad who had come to witness the India-South Africa match like one Rajesh from Karimnagar, who is leaving for Australia for higher studies next month. “Somehow, I loved the atmosphere and the hassle-free entry into the stadium. There was absolutely no discomfort. Even the public utilities are so well maintained,” he said while returning home by train.

Interestingly, even the food and beverages seem to be pretty decently priced to the delight of the fans though there were some complaints of poor quality in some of the corporate boxes.

To cap it all, the ground staff, like the ones at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Hyderabad headed by Y.L. Chandrasekhar who always comes up with excellent wickets, has done yet another wonderful job.

Well, the big question arises inevitably. Why did HCA lose out in getting these international fixtures? The officials know the answers for sure!