Virat Kohli may have to wait longer to play before his home fans with Delhi expected to lose the opportunity to stage India’s first ODI against Sri Lanka on December 13th.
Major renovation work at the Arun Jaitley Stadium particularly on the outfield has made it increasingly unlikely that the venue will be ready for the match.
What raised concerns about Arun Jaitley Stadium’s readiness for the fixture?
Delhi was originally named as one of the host venues when India’s home fixtures were unveiled in March. However, the extensive upgrades to the ground have raised serious concerns about its preparedness to organize an international fixture next month.
What renovations are being carried out by the DDCA at Arun Jaitley Stadium?
The Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) is undertaking a major overhaul of the ground by installing a sand based outfield in place of the current surface. The new system is expected to improve water drainage help the field become match ready sooner after rainfall and prevent water from collecting on the playing area.
How long is the redevelopment work expected to keep the stadium unavailable?
The ongoing redevelopment is likely to keep the stadium unavailable for cricket until the 2027 IPL season. As the December 13 deadline draws closer, Delhi’s prospects of hosting the opening ODI against Sri Lanka are fading.
How long will the sand-based outfield installation take to complete?
According to a source quoted by The Hindu, the project is expected to require around four months to finish. The source also highlighted the benefits of sand based outfields particularly their ability to drain water more efficiently. Similar surfaces have already been installed at cricket grounds in Mullanpur and Lucknow.
What advantages will the upgraded sand-based outfield offer during rain delays?
The upgraded outfield is also likely to minimise the requirement for covering large sections of the ground whenever rain disrupts play. ‘When the work gets completed, there will be no need to cover the entire ground in case of rain. Puddles would not form on the outfield,’ the source said.
When did Virat Kohli last play an international match in Delhi?
A venue shift would deny Virat Kohli the chance to represent India in front of his home supporters. The star batter last played an ODI at Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium during the 2023 World Cup. India’s most recent match at the ground was against Afghanistan on October 11th, 2023 when the hosts registered a convincing eight wickets victory.
How has the stadium renovation affected Delhi’s domestic matches?
The redevelopment has already disrupted Delhi’s domestic cricket schedule. To allow construction activities to continue at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, the DDCA has moved the team’s Ranji Trophy home matches to the Airforce Complex Ground in Palam.
Where are Delhi playing their upcoming Ranji Trophy fixtures?
Delhi’s second round encounter against Gujarat ended without a result while their next fixture against Services is set to begin at the Palam venue on Monday. Maharashtra are also scheduled to face Delhi there in the tournament’s second leg.
What was the BCCI’s earlier stance on shifting the Sri Lanka ODI venue?
Moving the Sri Lanka ODI elsewhere would make it another major cricket event impacted by the stadium’s ongoing upgrade. However, the BCCI had dismissed speculation about a possible venue shift last month. Secretary Devajit Saikia had rejected claims that the December 13th match might be transferred to Ahmedabad due to the construction work.