BCCI slammed for scheduling fiasco as India vs Afghanistan 2nd ODI begins in largely empty stadium: 'What's the point?'

Visuals of an empty Ekana Stadium were doing rounds on social media as India and Afghanistan locked horns for the second ODI of the three-match series at the venue in Lucknow.

Afghanistan won the toss and opted to bowl first but their decision was proven wrong as India captain Shubman Gill (154) and wicket-keeper batter Ishan Kishan (125) slammed quickfire centuries to power the Men in Blue to a mammoth 402 all out in 49.2 overs. While Indian batting stole the show, there were not many people to cheer them at the venue.

Ex-India cricketer shocked at empty stands

Former India fast bowler Dodda Ganesh took to social media platform X to express disbelief over the fact that fans did not turn up for an India game. He said that he had never witnessed such a scene in his entire life.

"Lots of empty stands at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow. Never have I seen such a sight for an Indian ODI D/N game, in my life," Ganesh said on X.

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Many fans also had similar reaction on social media. Check out a few of those below.

The most plausible reason for fans staying away from the match was the extreme heat in Lucknow. The middle of June is the peak of summers in North India and with the game beginning at 1:30 in the afternoon, fans could have given it a miss. Fans on social media were not happy with the scheduling from BCCI.

Afghanistan's troubles were compounded as Indian batters made them sweat even harder in the heat. Afghanistan bowlers made a late comeback to take last seven wickets for 42 runs but India still managed to post 402 before they got bowled out.