Massive fire erupts at the Eden Gardens ahead of ICC ODI WC 2023, investigation launched

A massive fire broke out at Kolkata's iconic Eden Gardens stadium during renovation work for the upcoming ICC OCI World Cup 2023. The incident happened last night around 11:30 PM and a short circuit is presumed as the reason behind the fire. The fire department was immediately informed, after which they brought the two fire engines to take control of the situation with a short effort of two engines.

Three things you need to know

• Eden Gardens will host five World Cup games 
• Team India will take on South Africa on November 5 at Eden Gardens
• Eden Gardens will also host the semi-final match of the ICC ODI World Cup on November 16

 READ | ODI World Cup: Full schedule, Timings, Dates, Teams, how to buy tickets-Everything to know

CAB launches investigation

As per the reports, the workers who were carrying out the renovation duties were the first to notice the fire. The firefighters were immediately informed and not much damage was caused by the time the situation was controlled. However, the players’ belongings in the dressing room were burnt.

Image: PTI

The incident, meanwhile, brought the Eden Gardens’ infrastructure into question with less than two months left for the upcoming World Cup. The fire reportedly broke out in the false ceiling of the dressing room and the cause of the incident is being investigated.

Eden Garden undergoes a major renovation 

One of the most iconic cricket stadiums in India, Eden Gardens is undergoing a massive overhaul to be game ready ahead of the ICC ODI World Cup 2023. The renovation work is being carried out under the supervision of the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) headed by Snehasish Ganguly. 

Eden Gardens will be hosting a total of 5 matches in the upcoming World Cup along with a semi-final match. Here's a list of all the matches that will be played at Eden Gardens.

READ | Asia Cup 2023: Here's everything you need to know about venues, timings and schedule

• Netherlands vs Bangladesh, 28th October
• Pakistan vs Bangladesh, 31st October
• India vs South Africa, 5th November
• England vs Pakistan, 11th November 
• ICC ODI WC 2023, semi-final, 16th November 

ODI World Cup 2023: Timings 

Bangladesh vs Afghanistan, England vs Bangladesh, Netherlands vs Sri Lanka,  Australia vs New Zealand, New Zealand vs Pakistan, and Australia vs Bangladesh will begin at 10:30 AM IST whereas the other matches will be played from 02:00 PM IST.