Watch: 'MCA hay hay' slogans raised as fans protest lack of water at Pune stadium" during India vs New Zealand 2nd Test

The second Test match between India and New Zealand, currently being played at the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) Stadium in Pune, witnessed unrest among spectators due to inadequate facilities at the venue. Fans have reported a severe shortage of drinking water on Day 1, leading to protests during the lunch break. The match is part of a three-match series, with New Zealand having won the first Test last week.

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Ind vs NZ 2nd Test: Water shortage and fan protests

As the temperature soared, fans at the MCA Stadium were left struggling to find drinking water. Social media posts showed frustrated spectators, with many protesting against the MCA by chanting slogans like "MCA hume paani do, MCA hay hay." Complaints about the unavailability of water, poor hygiene in toilets, and overpriced food also surfaced.


One user on X (formerly Twitter) criticized the conditions, saying, "Exposed to weather, stinky toilets, lack of drinking water, overpriced-yet-vile food, hostile cops - that people still go to stadiums speaks volume of their love for the game. They deserve better from administrators in their cosy boxes surrounded by lackeys." Another user added, "What is going on in #IndvsNZ? Strong rumours about no drinking water facility for the fans in this scorching heat. Absolute shame MCA Pune. This is no ordinary mishap... needs to be penalized @BCCI. Absolute crime this... no drinking water."

Fans are now calling out both the MCA and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for failing to provide basic amenities. One disgruntled fan remarked, "No drinking water no need of toilets. BCCI keeps it simple."

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India vs New Zealand Second Test

On the field, New Zealand opted to bat first after winning the toss. The visitors lost early wickets, with skipper Tom Latham and Will Young dismissed in the first session. Ravichandran Ashwin became the leading wicket-taker in the history of the World Test Championship (WTC) and surpassed Nathan Lyon in the overall Test wickets tally.

India made three changes to their playing XI, bringing in Akash Deep, Shubman Gill, and Washington Sundar to replace Mohammed Siraj, KL Rahul, and Kuldeep Yadav. New Zealand, who won the first Test by eight wickets, are looking to continue their momentum, having secured their first Test win on Indian soil in 36 years.

While the cricketing action between India and New Zealand remains competitive, the fan experience at the MCA Stadium has raised serious concerns about the treatment of spectators. The lack of essential facilities like drinking water and clean toilets has left fans frustrated, prompting widespread criticism on social media and calls for accountability from both the MCA and the BCCI.