To avoid pitch issues, UPCA will recruit specialists. Both India and New Zealand failed to strike a six during the second Twenty20 International in Lucknow on January 29.
The Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA) will engage two professionals to look after the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow ahead of the forthcoming Indian Premier League season in 2023. The decision was made in response to the recent pitch disaster during India’s second Twenty20 International match against New Zealand on January 29.
New Zealand were reduce to 99/8 when batting first, and the hosts chase the mark down with a ball to spare. Spinners bowled 30 overs, as both sides’ hitters failed to hit a six. After the game, Indian captain Hardik Pandya slammed the wicket for being sluggish and twisting.
“To be honest, that was a stunner of a wicket. Both games we’ve played thus far. I don’t mind tricky wickets. I’m all for it, but these two wickets aren’t built for T20. Somewhere down the road, the curators or the grounds where we’ll be playing should make sure the pitches are prepared ahead of time “Hardik Pandya stated during the second T20I.
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We will ensure that everything is ready for the IPL: UPCA official
Ankit Chatterjee, CEO of UPCA, indicated that they will hire two professionals to handle any future pitch concerns. He stated that one specialist will be in charge of the pitch and another will be in charge of the outfield conditions.
“We will employ two professionals to oversee stadium operations. One will be a pitching specialist, while the other will be an outfield specialist. We are obtaining the necessary licenses from other state associations in order to engage their services “Cricbuzz reported on Chatterjee.
Lucknow’s pitch has previously hosted IPL games, however this will be the first time it will host Lucknow Super Giants. The BCCI state that the forthcoming event, which is set to begin on April 1, to be contest inhome-and-away format.
“We want the playing conditions to be perfect, and we don’t want to jeopardize the IPL. The franchise also practices extensively at the stadium, and they require home advantage, and we will guarantee that everything is in order for the IPL and that there are no such concerns throughout the season “Chatterjee continued.
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