Cyclone Vardah: India vs England Chennai Test could be cancelled

Last week, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) had predicted Cyclone Vardah to hit the Tamil Nadu coast this Friday. However, in a premature turn, strong winds and rain have been experienced across different parts of the state already, with two deaths being registered in the Tiruvallur district.

Chennai, which is scheduled to host fifth Test of the ongoing India-England series, has been severely affected with trees being uprooted across the city. Torrential rain has created a massive cloud over the inconsequential dead rubber to be held on December 16.

IPL Chairman Rajiv Shukla said, “The fifth Test will take place in Chennai. Tamil Nadu Sports Authority is keen on hosting it. No changes as of now.” However, a source close to Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) confirmed to Sportskeeda that the match might have to be shifted, considering the current weather conditions.

He said, “The cyclone this year has been far stronger than the previous. Yes, the city is far more equipped to deal with it, but it doesn’t take away from the fact that the city has come to a halt. According to Met Department prediction, this will continue till December 17^th, making it very difficult for us make all the arrangements, as we can’t even venture out of our houses.

“All offices will definitely remain closed. So we are currently in a dilemma; the BCCI might have gotten a green signal for now, but if the condition deteriorates, we will have no option but to request them a shift of venue, or the game has to be abandoned,” the source added.

Chennai has been on high alert for the past 10 days, with Kancheepuram and Tiruvallur districts remaining shut till Monday. Fishermen have been requested by the Tamil Nadu government not to venture out to sea at the moment.

India’s final ODI between New Zealand last month had also come under serious jeopardy, with the city on cyclone alert for two days. However, the weather stood strong eventually, with the match being conducted with no delays.

Our source said, “We have already put the covers on, but the rain is coming in batches. There is a high probability that there might be torrential rainfall on the day as well. We are scheduled to conduct a Skype meeting once network returns for everyone here. We will have to analyse the weather till December 14, before conveying a final message to BCCI.”

“Let’s see what happens, but the priority will always be the safety of the cricketers and everyone around them. That’s what our decision will be based on,” he added.

The cyclone has already taken a dozen lives in the south of Thailand, and is all set to move towards Andhra Pradesh tonight.