The Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) stadium in Dharamshala has become the first BCCI-accredited venue to install a state-of-the-art ‘hybrid pitch’. This new technology is set to transform the game, as future international and IPL matches will be played on this innovative track.
The Netherlands-based ‘SISGrass’, a part of the SIS Pitches group of companies, has been brought in to install the first-ever hybrid pitch in India. This cutting-edge technology combines natural turf with a small percentage of polymer fibre, creating a more durable and consistent playing surface.
According to the press release, this hybrid pitch technology will provide a “more durable, consistent, and high-performing playing surface.” HPCA president R.P. Singh said, “The arrival of ground-breaking hybrid pitch technology in India signifies a game-changing moment for our national cricket.”
Paul Taylor, a former England cricketer and SIS’s international cricket director, expressed excitement about the impact of this technology on India’s vibrant cricket ecosystem. “As we inject new and improved technological advancements into India’s vibrant cricket ecosystem, we foresee a catalytic effect on its growth trajectory,” he said.
The use of hybrid pitches has been approved by the ICC for T20 and 50-over competitions, and they are already being used in various cricket grounds across the United Kingdom. The “Universal” machine, used to install the hybrid pitch in Dharamshala, will be taken to other cities like Ahmedabad and Mumbai to create more such pitches.
It’s worth noting that the Dharamshala pitch and outfield came under scrutiny during the ODI World Cup last year, and the entire playing surface had to be refurbished. The introduction of the hybrid pitch technology is expected to address these issues and provide a more consistent and high-performing playing surface for the future.
The installation of the hybrid pitch at the HPCA stadium in Dharamshala marks a significant milestone in the evolution of cricket in India. As the country continues to invest in cutting-edge technologies and infrastructure, the impact on the sport’s growth trajectory is expected to be profound.
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