Bhubaneswar: Players from the Indian and England cricket teams arrived in Bhubaneswar on Friday evening ahead of their much-anticipated One Day International (ODI) match at Barabati Stadium in Cuttack.
The teams landed at Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA) and were immediately escorted to a luxury hotel under tight security arrangements.
Both teams are scheduled to travel to Barabati Stadium on February 8 for their practice sessions before facing off in the crucial ODI match on February 9. India, having secured a victory in the first ODI in Nagpur on February 6, will look to continue their winning momentum against England.
The upcoming match at Barabati Stadium holds historical significance as it marks the return of ODI cricket to the iconic venue after a six-year hiatus. The last ODI at the stadium was played on December 22, 2019, when India defeated the West Indies by four wickets. The Indian team has a strong record at Barabati, winning eight of the last ten ODIs played at the venue.
Established in 1958, Barabati Stadium, located on the banks of the Mahanadi River, has hosted three Test matches, 27 ODIs, and three T20 Internationals. With a seating capacity of around 40,000, the stadium remains one of India’s most historic cricketing venues.
The Odisha government, Odisha Police, and the Odisha Cricket Association (OCA) have put in place extensive arrangements to ensure the smooth conduct of the match. Security has been heightened, with approximately 55 platoons of police forces deployed in and around the stadium to manage the crowd and maintain law and order.
As excitement builds among cricket fans, all eyes are on Barabati Stadium for a thrilling contest between two top cricketing nations.
