Ground official spoke about the broken window and constraints that has kept it from being repaired.
A Rinku Singh maximum broke the press box window glass at St George Park more than a year ago, and because a repair is unlikely to happen anytime soon, the ground management won't object if the Indian raider signs the damaged area the next time he visits.
Rinku struck one of his signature unbeaten 39-ball 68s in a losing cause during the second T20 International against the Proteas in December 2023. During the knock, one of the two sixes broke the press enclosure's glass window.
Nevertheless, despite severe weather, including a storm that destroyed a portion of the roof in the stands last August, it has remained intact and has not completely collapsed to the ground. Rinku apologized gently for his blow, which the renowned Dale Steyn called a "great shot," after he broke the press box window at the Graeme Pollock Pavilion here.
Due to other urgent issues, such as the ongoing maintenance and upkeep of the facilities here under financial constraints, the local management hasn't found the need to make the adjustment.
“You see, it is located at a specific height here and it will be a tough job to get it changed. Someone would have to be hoisted on a crane and then the repair work will be carried out, but we have focused on the more serious matters which have kept coming up," a ground management official told PTI.
“The ground is located near the (Indian) ocean, which means we have to constantly keep working to avoid corrosion in metallic pillars that support various stands and structures at the venue," he explained.
The official also stated that they might get Rinku Singh to sign the broken window whenever India visits South Africa next.
“Maybe we can get it autographed by Rinku whenever he comes over here next," the official quipped.
The stadium official also mentioned budgetary constraints, which have forced them to keep their efforts and money focused on more important issues.
“There was a storm on August 14 and it blew away a part of the roof for which we had to pay 400,000 rands and it was a big portion. It (repairing the glass) will cost a lot of money," he added.
The official said the stadium belongs to the local municipality and the ground management staff are mere “custodians".