India's middle-order batsman Ajinkya Rahane said on Friday the sparse attendance on the first day of the second Test against New Zealand was due to the absence of overhead cover, to protect the spectators from the sweltering heat, at the Eden Gardens.
"It's too hot and humid here. From the spectators' point of view, you need cover from the heat, and if that is absent it is very difficult to sit throughout the day and watch cricket," Rahane, who scored 77 runs of India's 239/7, said at a media meet after stumps.
"The 5,000-6,000 people who turned up for the match was good to see but I feel that is the main reason."
According to several estimates, around 10,000 spectators turned up on the first day.
Friday marked the start of the Durga Puja festival with Mahalaya in Kolkata.
---IANS
dm/sam/vt
Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors
Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share
Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor
Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements
Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app