Ekana Stadium hosts second ODI between India and Afghanistan
Source:The Hindu ↗
Why It Matters
UPPSC Prelims regularly features questions on sports infrastructure, stadiums located in Uttar Pradesh, major athletic events hosted in the state, and domestic players from UP making international debuts.
Summary
In the second ODI of the series held at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow, India defeated Afghanistan by 170 runs to take a 2-0 lead. India posted a monumental 402/6, driven by captain Shubman Gill's 154 and Ishan Kishan's 125, who shared a 224-run partnership. Uttar Pradesh's domestic young pacer Prince Yadav made his ODI international debut. Afghanistan was bowled out for 232, despite a solid all-round effort from Nangeyalia Kharote (4/76 and 41 runs).
Key Points
- India defeated Afghanistan by 170 runs in the second ODI in Lucknow, securing a 2-0 series lead.
- India set a massive total of 402/6 in 50 overs, powered by captain Shubman Gill's 9th ODI century (154 off 110 balls) and Ishan Kishan's second ODI century (125 off 79 balls).
- The duo put on a mammoth 224-run partnership for the third wicket.
- UP-based young pace bowler Prince Yadav made his international ODI debut for India at his home-state venue in Lucknow.
- For Afghanistan, left-arm spinner Nangeyalia Kharote picked up 4 wickets for 76 runs and also top-scored in the second innings with 41 runs.
- The match took place at the Ekana Cricket Stadium (formally known as Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium), a premier sports infrastructure asset in Uttar Pradesh.
Important Terms
Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)
The national governing body for cricket in India, established in 1928. Legally registered as a private society under state law, it is the world's wealthiest cricket board and operates without direct government funding.
UPSC context
GS Paper II (Governance). Tests understanding of "Public Authority" under the RTI Act, 2005, and public accountability of autonomous sports bodies.
Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB)
The official governing body managing cricket in Afghanistan. Established as a federation in 1995, it plays a vital role in international sports diplomacy, with India historically providing several of its home grounds.
UPSC context
GS Paper II (International Relations). Tests understanding of India-Afghanistan bilateral sports diplomacy, soft power projection, and neighborhood-first cooperation.
Ekana Cricket Stadium
An international cricket stadium in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, renamed after former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Boasting a 50,000 capacity, it is a premier hub for UP sports infrastructure and state tourism.
UPSC context
UP GK / Sports Infrastructure. Tests knowledge of regional public infrastructure, renamed landmarks, and major sports facilities for state civil services.
Prince Yadav
An Indian international cricketer who made his ODI debut against Afghanistan in Lucknow in June 2026. A right-arm fast-medium bowler, he also represents the Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL.
UPSC context
UP GK / Sports Personalities. Tests awareness of prominent regional sportspersons and domestic athletes achieving international milestones within Uttar Pradesh.
Prelims Trap
Lucknow's designated sport under Uttar Pradesh's 'One District One Sport' (ODOS) scheme is Cricket.
Aspirants often assume Lucknow's designated sport is cricket due to the iconic Ekana Stadium, whereas it is actually Hockey under the ODOS scheme.
Static Concepts Connected
What is the constitutional and administrative status of Sports in India?
- Constitutional Position: Sports is a State subject under Entry 33 of the State List (List II) of the Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution.
- Central Role: The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) handles international representation and funding of National Sports Federations (NSFs).
- Legal Framework: No comprehensive national legislation exists; sports are largely governed by autonomous federations and state-specific policies.
How does the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model apply to social/sports infrastructure?
- Asset Ownership: The government provides land or concession rights (e.g., Lucknow Development Authority), while a private entity designs, builds, and operates the facility.
- Financial Leverage: Allows state governments to create high-cap facilities (like Ekana Stadium) without massive upfront public capital expenditure.
- Revenue Model: The private operator recovers investment through commercial activities, event hosting, and sub-leasing, while guaranteeing public/community access hours.
Cross-Topic Patterns
Sports governance and federalism
While 'Sports' is a State List subject, national schemes like Khelo India and state-level ODOS show collaborative federal efforts in grassroots talent development.
PPP in social infrastructure
Utilizing Public-Private Partnerships for stadiums shifts financial burdens off state exchequers, serving as a model for civic and recreational infrastructure.
State-led sports policies (like UP's PPP models and ODOS) may be evaluated as blueprints for grassroots development in GS-2/GS-3.
Linked PYQs · 3
Linked PYQs · 3
- 2020UPPSC_PRELIMSGS1
In which of the following places the Bio-technology Park is located in Uttar Pradesh ?
- 2022UPPSC_PRELIMSGS1
Consider the following cities of Uttar Pradesh and arrange them in descending order in terms of their population. I. Ghaziabad II. Kanpur III. Agra IV. Lucknow Select the correct answer from the code given below :
- 2020UPPSC_PRELIMSGS1
The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet has approved on 29th July, 2020 to establish a National Law University at which of the following cities ?
