Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala.
| Photo Credit: AFP
The picturesque Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) stadium has develop into the first BCCI-accredited venue to set up a state-of-the-art ‘hybrid pitch’ and future worldwide and IPL matches will probably be held on this observe.
The Netherlands-based ‘SISGrass’, part of the SIS Pitches group of firms, has been roped in for the first-ever hybrid pitch set up.
According to a press launch, “this cutting-edge technology will transform the game by providing a more durable, consistent, and high-performing playing surface.” HPCA president R.P. Singh mentioned, “The arrival of ground-breaking hybrid pitch expertise in India signifies a game-changing second for our nationwide cricket.”
Paul Taylor, a former England cricketer and SIS’s international cricket director said, “As we inject new and improved technological advancements into India’s vibrant cricket ecosystem, we foresee a catalytic effect on its growth trajectory.” “At SISGrass, and working with fine turf specialists Greater Ten, our delivery partner in India, we are committed to investing in this ecosystem by providing top-notch facilities such as hybrid pitches,” he added.
SIS forayed in India after the ICC allowed the usage of hybrid surfaces for T20 and 50-over competitions.
Following the success of putting in hybrids throughout English cricket grounds, SIS determined to develop the expertise in India.
The floor comprises a small proportion of polymer fibre with the pure turf inside cricket stadiums. This composition is believed to be extra resilient to stresses created throughout play, whereas prolonging lifetime of the pitch, guaranteeing a fair bounce and easing stress on groundstaff.
The accomplished installations are nonetheless predominantly pure grass, with solely 5% polymer fibre used to be certain that the traits of an all-natural pitch are maintained.
‘The Universal’ machine, utilized in Dharamshala for the hybrid pitch, will probably be taken to Ahmedabad and Mumbai to create additional such pitches. It will stay in India for future initiatives.
In the U.Okay., hybrid pitches are authorized for T20 and 50-over competitions and also will be used within the four-day County Championship matches this season. The Universal machine has been used to set up SISGrass at numerous grounds in England corresponding to Lord’s, The Oval, Edgbaston, Old Trafford and Trent Bridge.
It have to be famous that Dharamsala pitch and outfield got here beneath scanner in the course of the ODI World Cup final 12 months and the whole taking part in floor was refurbished.
