The grass is green, insists HPCA secretary

Avinash Parmar

While the picturesque location with the snow-peaked Dhauladhar mountain ranges in the backdrop, make the HPCA Stadium here one of the most beautiful grounds in the world, there has been criticism about the outfield.

Last month, it was reported that ICC's pitch consultant Andy Atkinson claimed that the outfield was infested by a fungus. Then, after the October 7 World Cup match between Bangladesh and Afghanistan, there was an issue when Afghanistan's Mujeeb ur Rahman's knee got stuck in the outfield as he tried to slide to stop a boundary. Furthermore, ahead of the England v Bangladesh on October 10, Jos Buttler claimed that the outfield was "poor." It may be recalled that India's third Test against Australia in March was shifted from Dharamsala to Indore at the last minute over concerns about the condition of the outfield, which was blamed on a harsh winter in the hilly region.

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HPCA's secretary Avinash Parmar cleared the air over any issues pertaining to the ground. "It's an honour for us to host the best and most loved cricket team in the world [India] and that too for a crucial World Cup game. We have the best infrastructure here in Dharamsala and that includes the ground and outfield which was revamped after laying the rye winter grass with state of the art SIS-Air pitch evacuation system," Parmar told mid-day on Saturday.

As per the SIS-air website, the technology, among other things, helps "increase aeration, remove unwanted gases and provides a firmer, more consistent, disease-resistant turf."

Parmar admitted that "the prolonged winter and rains did affect the grass in the outfield," but insisted "now it is improved and in good condition."

From the fans' point of view, one complaint is that there is insufficient quality accommodation in Dharamsala and that most hotels were sold out as soon as the India v New Zealand fixture was announced a few months back. Parmar admitted this issue needs to be addressed. "Yes, Dharamsala should have more hotels and related infrastructure to host big games as we are sure to get more big matches in the future because of the conditions here," he said.

Finally, speaking about the pitch, the administrator insisted that his association has prepared a sporting 22 yards. "We have always prepared wickets that assist pace bowlers, spinners and batsmen. We are expecting a high scoring, competitive match which will be enjoyed by all," he signed off.