Over a year has passed since Rinku Singh's remarkable six caused significant damage to the press box at St George's Park in Gqeberha, and the repairs have yet to be undertaken. During a T20I match between India and South Africa, Rinku struck Aiden Markram, sending the ball soaring directly over his head. The force of the hit was so intense that it resulted in a substantial crack in one of the glass panels adjacent to the Graeme Pollock pavilion. Despite the passage of 13 months, the panel remains unrepaired due to budgetary limitations faced by the stadium.

St George's Park is not the largest cricket venue in South Africa, and the press box, situated at a higher elevation, typically avoids such damage. With the commencement of the third edition of the SA20 league, the safety of the panel is increasingly in question. Recently, a six hit by MI Cape Town's Dewald Brewis nearly struck the same area affected by Rinku's hit. Although plans to address the damage are in place, the stadium has prioritized more urgent repairs.

"Firstly, consider the height. It is quite significant, making repairs challenging as they would necessitate a crane and various heavy machinery. Bringing such equipment onto the field during matches is not feasible. We have had instances of windows breaking at lower levels, which we can repair quickly. Therefore, we must establish priorities. Due to budget constraints, we are limited in our actions. We have managed to repair the roof, which is now in good condition. I can provide examples of completed projects," stated Terrence, a venue official responsible for maintenance, in an interview with Hindustan Times following MI Cape Town's victory over the two-time defending champions, Sunrisers Eastern Cape.

"We experienced storms in August that resulted in the complete loss of a stand's roof. We filed a claim with our insurer, who attributed the damage to wear and tear, leaving us to cover approximately 400,000R, which was a significant expense. Other areas also suffered from corrosion and related issues."

Shortly after Rinku's six led to unforeseen damage, former South African fast bowler Dale Steyn, who was providing commentary, humorously highlighted the seriousness of the incident. "Someone in the eastern bay of Gqeberha is unlikely to be pleased with Rinku Singh for breaking one of their windows," he noted. While Rinku expressed his apologies for the incident, the process of repairing the damage is considerably more complex than it appears.

Terrance addresses a prevalent misunderstanding regarding the glass panels used in stadiums, clarifying that they are constructed from safety glass rather than bulletproof materials. Unlike standard glass, which shatters completely upon impact, safety glass is engineered to crack internally when subjected to significant force. This feature prevents shards from dispersing and causing injuries, thereby enhancing the safety of spectators. For instance, if a ball hits a sliding door at the base of the panel, the glass will not shatter entirely but will retain its integrity to minimize harm.

Safety glass bears significant cost

The implementation of safety glass entails considerable expenses. It is not only pricier than conventional glass but also presents challenges in replacement due to logistical difficulties. The installation of new panels requires the use of cranes and skilled labor, which demands substantial time, effort, and financial investment. Consequently, managing these costs within the framework of the stadium's ongoing maintenance plan is a vital responsibility.

In addition to glass upkeep, other structural elements of the stadium, such as roofs and scoreboards, pose their own set of challenges. For example, the roof on the west end of the stadium has been a recurring problem, further complicated by compliance with regulatory standards. Scoreboards and various other structures are made from a range of materials, necessitating the expertise of engineers to facilitate appropriate repairs and timely installations. These activities, while crucial for the stadium's operational efficiency and safety, incur significant costs and often place a strain on the budget, requiring careful planning and prioritization.

"Some individuals possess a keen sense for maintenance. I often remind my team and colleagues that this stadium is not ours. I am merely a temporary steward here, likely for just a few years before moving on. This stadium is owned by the municipality, and we serve as its caretakers. When members of the public enter, they may wonder, 'Are these individuals taking care of our assets?' I aspire to leave a legacy of having done a commendable job," Terrance remarked.

"When I arrived in 2017, the condition of this facility was quite poor. We undertook a significant upgrade, and due to our proximity to the sea, corrosion is a constant issue. Without regular painting or grinding, rust can become entrenched. I have two maintenance personnel on staff, as our budget does not allow for many contractors."

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