In a significant development for cricket in India, the country’s first-ever Hybrid Pitch was unveiled at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) stadium in Dharamsala. This innovative pitch, which combines natural turf with synthetic fibres, promises enhanced durability and consistent playability.
The grand unveiling ceremony was graced by IPL Chairman Arun Dhumal and other cricket dignitaries, including Paul Taylor, a former England cricketer and SIS’s international cricket director. The introduction of hybrid pitches is set to revolutionize cricket in India, following their success in iconic venues like Lord’s and The Oval in England.
All you need to know about Hybrid Pitch
The hybrid pitch is a blend of natural turf and synthetic fibres, with only 5% synthetic fibres. This ensures that the natural characteristics essential for cricket are preserved. The pitch promises enhanced durability and consistent playability, reducing the strain on ground staff and maintaining quality playing conditions.
This innovation aligns with the ICC’s recent sanctioning of hybrid pitches for T20 and one-day international matches, with plans to expand their use in four-day county championships starting this year. The ‘Universal Machine’, a critical component in installing the hybrid surface, was developed by SISGrass in 2017 and has been instrumental in the rollout of similar pitches across England’s county cricket grounds.
India's first-ever hybrid pitch unveiled at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala. The pitch is 95 per cent natural turf and there is 5 per cent fiber. The same pitch can assist spin like Indore and also assist pacers like Lord's. #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/fAI5mudLXg
— Himanshu Pareek (@Sports_Himanshu) May 6, 2024
The integration of technologies like SISAir, a root aeration system, further underscores the commitment to enhancing cricket infrastructure in India. This system improves the pitch’s health and resilience, benefiting players with better and safer playing conditions.
In conclusion, the unveiling of India’s first-ever hybrid pitch marks a significant milestone in the evolution of cricket in the country. It not only promises to enhance the quality of the game but also sets the stage for more such innovations in the future. This development is a testament to India’s commitment to adopting global best practices in cricket infrastructure, promising an exciting future for the sport in the country.
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 stadium in Dharamsala. This innovative pitch, which combines natural turf with synthetic fibres, promises enhanced durability and consistent playability.){kind=link}