HDYERABAD: Hardik Pandya’s comeback triggered such overwhelming fan frenzy that organisers had no choice but to shift the Baroda–Gujarat SMAT fixture to a high-capacity stadium.
The match, originally scheduled here at the Gymkhana Ground, was relocated to the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, known for hosting major international matches and IPL fixtures. It provides stronger security architecture and greater crowd-handling capacity, making it the preferred choice for a turnout of this scale.
Officials confirmed that the decision was taken after unusually large gatherings of fans were recorded near team hotels, practice nets, and ticket counters — far exceeding typical domestic tournament turnout. In Baroda’s previous game against Punjab, play was interrupted multiple times due to pitch invasions as fans rushed out to meet Hardik.