Green Park hosts last match ahead of 3-year renovation

Kanpur: It was an emotional farewell to the historic Green Park Stadium on Sunday as Kanpur XI defeated MP XI by 13 runs to lift the Gaurav Cup in a friendly match, marking the last cricketing action at the 76-year-old venue before it undergoes a major renovation. The stadium, which has hosted 24 Tests, 15 ODIs, one T20 International and four IPL matches, will remain closed for nearly three years and is expected to return with a new look and enhanced facilities. The state govt has already released the first instalment of Rs 45 crore for the renovation project. Local MP Ramesh Awasthi organised the farewell match, which drew thousands of cricket enthusiasts who gathered to bid an emotional goodbye to the iconic venue before its return. Put in to bat, Kanpur XI, led by former Ranji Trophy player Ankit Rajput, posted 173 for four in 15 overs. Openers Shubham (33) and Akanshu Govil (28) provided a solid start, putting on 69 runs for the opening wicket in six overs. Rajput then entertained the crowd with an aggressive cameo, smashing one boundary and five sixes in just eight balls before retiring hurt. Gopal Singh added to the excitement by hitting four sixes in the final over. In reply, MP XI managed 160 for four in its allotted 15 overs. Former India cricketer Yusuf Pathan and Shashank gave the visitors a flying start, adding 80 runs for the opening wicket in 6.4 overs. Pathan top-scored with 52, hitting seven boundaries and three sixes, while Shashank contributed 21. Sumit and Sunil Tripathi scored 18 and 34, respectively. You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Kanpur | Silver Rate in Kanpur | Bank Holidays in Kanpur | Public Holidays in Kanpur | Kanpur AQI | Weather in Kanpur | Petrol Price in Kanpur | Diesel Price in Kanpur | CNG Price in Kanpur | LPG Price in Kanpur Stay updated with the latest Kanpur news. Download the TOI App.