In view of the devastating Phailin and the subsequent floods in the State in which millions of people are affected, Kalinga Sena supremo Hemant Rath on Saturday urged the State Government to cancel the proposed 5th ODI match to be played between India and Australia on October 26 at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack.
“There is no justification to organise an international cricket match in Odisha while half of the State’s population is struggling for survival after the cyclone Phailin hit the coast on October 12 and the subsequent flash floods. While Chief Minister himself is appealing through media for contribution for relief and restoration work in the cyclone and flood-affected areas, on what ground is the Government willing to spend money from the State exchequer for security arrangements and other purposes for the cricket match,” Rath asked while addressing a news conference here.