Kotla incident fresh in mind, state cricket association takes no chances After ICC finds stadium unsuitable for 2011 world cup
Kotla incident fresh in mind, state cricket association takes no chances After ICC finds stadium unsuitable for 2011 world cup
The International Cricket Council (ICC) declared Delhi's Feroze Shah Kotla cricket ground unfit to host international cricket after the ball went bouncing all over the place during an India versus Sri Lanka match. The ICC went on to slap a year's ban on the venue.
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LET IT ROLL: Pitch curator Narayana Raju inspects the pitch as it is worked on with a roller |
After that the ICC's pitch committee inspected the city's Chinnaswamy Stadium and was unhappy over the worn-out pitch and the shabby outfield.
It felt that the stadium's ground was not suitable to play the 2011 cricket world cup.
The ICC suggested renovating the pitch and the shabby outfield.
With the Ferozeshah Kotla incident fresh in everyone's mind, a flurry of activity followed, and pitch curator Narayana Raju came up with no less than three renovatedu00a0u00a0 pitches for the ICC.
Stadium puts best foot forwardThe ICC was also unhappy over the drainage system and informed the authorities to make it suitable for the 2011 World Cup. Accordingly, the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) has taken up the job and is working seriously on it to match the ICC standards.
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GETTING A FEEL OF IT: Narayana Raju takes a closer look at his creation |
Pitch curator Raju, who has been in this business for past 10 years, said, "We have renovated three pitches for the international cricket and forth coming IPL matches. Actually, ICC had inspected the pitch during the end of the season. The pitch was completely gone as too many matches were played without break. In other countries, if a match is played, a minimum of two to three months' gap is given until the next one."
Out of the 365 days in a year, around 250-300 days some match or the other is being played on the ground.
Thus, it is difficult to maintain the pitch and the outfield.
"We started to renovate the three main pitches a month ago and have brought it to one level. We have used 'Mandya Clay' (Black cotton) for two pitches and reddish clay for the center one. We have also grown grass on the pitch and it will be ready for the IPL 2010. We are also going to develop the outfield and grow grass which will look much greener," informed Raju.
A match will be arranged in the first week of the next month to check the new pitch.
He also added, "Actually fresh wickets were made three years ago. After that now we have taken up the job of renovation as the pitches were in a very bad shape."
KSCA Secretary Brijesh Patel said, "The ICC's pitch committee visited the KSCA during the wrong time at the end of the season when the pitch was worn out. Now, the renovation is done to the pitches and is getting ready to play. IPL 2010 will be played on these pitches which are scheduled to start next month."
Cricket analyst Chandramouli Kanavi said, "There is no off season in Karnataka Cricket. League matches, National Cricket Academy matches, Ranji, junior level (under 16, 17, 18 and 19) and in addition to that Karnataka Premier League, IPL and international cricket are being played here. Also, there are very few turf grounds in the city (RSI ground, IAF-Mekhri Circle, Rail Wheel Factory-Yelahanka, Jain International School-Kanakapura road and N R Palace-J C Nagar)."
He also added that as per a rule, KSCA league matches should be played on turf.
