The Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamshala became a part of Indian cricket history as the country’s first-ever hybrid pitch which was unveiled in the presence of Arun Dhumal, Chairman, of Indian Premier League, and Paul Taylor, former England international cricketer and SIS’s International Cricket Director.
As per a release by the HPCA, the hybrid pitches will be a new milestone and they are expected to significantly improve the quality of the sport played on Indian pitches as well. Combining natural grass with other artificial materials, the SISGrass hybrid pitch will help continuously improve the quality of the sport. However, Arun Dhumal opened up on how thrilled he was to see the inauguration of the country’s first hybrid pitch.
“I am thrilled to witness the inauguration of India’s first hybrid pitch at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala. This remarkable development showcases the progressive spirit that is driving Indian cricket forward. By adopting innovative solutions like the ICC-approved hybrid pitches, we are not just ensuring a sustainable future for the sport, but also building another avenue for growth,” Arun Dhumal was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times.
Furthermore, SIS’s International Cricket Director, Paul Taylor, also showed gratitude towards the HPCA as he announced the successful application of hybrid cricket pitches at the Dharamshala Stadium as well. Notably, the SISGrass invested in India after the ICC (International Cricket Council) allowed the use of hybrid surfaces for T20 and 50-over competitions as well.
“We extend our sincere appreciation to the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association for collaborating with us on this pioneering project. We are pleased to announce the successful installation and implementation of hybrid cricket pitches at the iconic Dharamshala Stadium,” Taylor said.
“As a BCCI-approved initiative, this encourages us to set the stage for further explorations of hybrid pitches in Mumbai and Ahmedabad. We aim to expand opportunities that strengthen cricket at the grassroots level for more participation and ensure that our pitches can endure the game’s rigours,” he added.
