'Cricket is a great leveler': Pakistan fans in meltdown as India vs England 2nd ODI witnesses floodlight failure

TOI Sports Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Updated: Feb 10, 2025, 13:14 IST

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A 35-minute floodlight failure halted the India-England ODI at Cuttack's Barabati Stadium, leading to a social media frenzy, particularly among Pakistani cricket fans. The incident brought back memories of a floodlight issue at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium, where Indian fans had previously criticised the facilities. The delay caused a unique celebration among the 45,000-strong crowd.

'Cricket is a great leveler': Pakistan fans in meltdown as India vs England 2nd ODI witnesses floodlight failure

India vs England 2nd ODI witnesses floodlight failure (Screengrab)

NEW DELHI: The second one-day international (ODI) between India and England at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack witnessed an unexpected twist when a floodlight failure caused a 35-minute halt in play, leading to a social media meltdown — especially among Pakistan cricket fans.
The malfunction occurred near the clock tower end at around 6:15 PM, initially causing a temporary flicker before a complete blackout forced players off the field.

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At that moment, India were comfortably placed at 48/0 in 6.1 overs, with Rohit Sharma in sublime touch at 29 off 18 balls and Shubman Gill on 17 from 19 deliveries.

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The delay, though inconvenient, turned into an impromptu celebration, as the 45,000-strong crowd danced to the stadium’s music while waving their phone flashlights, creating a surreal spectacle.
While floodlight failures in Indian stadiums are rare, the incident provided an opportunity for Pakistani fans to take jabs at Indian cricket.

'Cricket is a great leveler,' one fan wrote on X.

'What do you sow, so shall you reap,' another fan penned.
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'Richest Cricket Board for reason,' another quipped.

The online banter stemmed from a previous controversy where Indian fans had blamed poor floodlight installations at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium for New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra misjudging a catch and suffering a forehead injury.
Now, with India facing its own floodlight woes, Pakistani fans wasted no time in calling it poetic justice.
The Orissa Cricket Association (OCA), hosting its first ODI in four years, faced challenges beyond the lighting issue.
READ ALSO: OCA embarrassed after floodlight failure stalls ODI
Security personnel struggled to control unruly fans at the gates, leading to moments of chaos. Even the press box saw unauthorised entries.

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