LUCKNOW, March 13 -- Country's one of the oldest Test playing centre-Green Park stadium in Kanpur-is all set to miss cricketing action at least for next two years as the state government is about to begin the reconstruction of the stadium, especially the main cricket ground, which remained the centre of criticism for not having adequate draining system. Against a proposed estimate of over Rs.350 crore for the revamping of the stadium, which included a media centre, C balcony etc., the state government has already sanctioned Rs.45 crore for the first phase of work in this year's budget. If all goes well, the renovation is due to start in May-June and this will surely hamper the commencement of the UPT20 League and Kanpur Premier League as the renovation of the drainage system of the ground is on top of the agenda. In September 2024, the second Test between India and Bangladesh at the Green Park was severely impacted by a poor, outdated drainage system, causing over two full days of lost play despite minimal or no rain. Wet, soggy patches on the outfield, specifically the bowler's run-up, forced the abandonment of days two and three, resulting in an 'unsatisfactory' pitch rating and a demerit point from the International Cricket Council. "We have plans to start the tendering process in April and I hope that in May-June construction work will start as the grant of first phase would be applicable from April 1," said Uttar Pradesh's director sports, RP Singh on Wednesday. He refused to mention the deadline of completion of construction work, but said a lot is needed to be done at the Green Park Stadium as it's an old stadium and the government is committed for the better redevelopment of the stadium, which is one the historical sporting centres of the state. The Green Park Stadium has been given to the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association on lease under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and the cricketing body is paying Rs.1.25 crore per annum to the state government, besides paying additional rent for the domestic and international matches. "I am expecting at least two years' time in completion of the construction work of the stadium as it requires massive changes in its present set up," UP Cricket Association's secretary, Prem Manohar Gupta said on Wednesday. "Presently hosting even domestic matches won't be possible in the next cricketing season, but we have alternate grounds across the state, where we can accommodate our home matches in all categories," said Gupta. "We will take a final look at the situation at the Green Park Stadium before the start of the new domestic season in September, but for now we will continue to hold the matches of the UP T20 League in Lucknow itself," he added. In fact, the renovation project aims to expand the spectator capacity to beyond 35,000 while adding luxury corporate boxes and a media centre that meets modern standards. The first phase of the work involves pulling down the old C-Stall and the B-General stand. With the initial Rs.45-50 crore, the authorities will build a new players' pavilion and a state-of-the-art media centre. The brain behind this revamping is none other than the Kanpur MP, Ramesh Awasthi, who threw his weight behind this as he finds the stadium a sports heritage not only for Kanpur, but for the entire country. However, UPT20 League governing council chief, Sanjay Kapoor said that he will talk to the authority concerned so that there should be no hurdles in conduct of the Kanpur Premier League and Upt20 League due to construction....