Rain turns Kotambi Stadium into a waterlogged mess; BPL matches disrupted

Vadodara: The Baroda Premier League (BPL), organised by the Baroda Cricket Association (BCA), kicked off on June 15 at the Kotambi International Cricket Stadium. However, the league has been plagued by rain disruptions, and despite tall claims of world-class infrastructure, the stadium was waterlogged after light showers, raising serious questions about its drainage system and preparedness.

Built at a cost of ₹225 crore, the Kotambi Stadium witnessed waterlogging scenes reminiscent of monsoon ponds, causing major embarrassment for the organisers. While one match was cancelled due to heavy rain on June 16, the first match on June 17 faced a delayed start.

The league, scheduled between June 15 and 29, features five teams composed of local cricketing talent from Vadodara. However, hosting a tournament during the monsoon has led to repeated match disruptions. The BCA had claimed that the stadium houses international-level facilities, but the inability to drain rainwater quickly has left spectators disappointed and questioning the utility of such a large investment.

The situation becomes even more concerning given that the BCCI has scheduled an ODI between India and New Zealand at the same venue on January 11, 2026. The current conditions raise doubts about the stadium’s readiness to host international matches, especially during adverse weather. DeshGujarat