Cricket's Battle With Fungus: Dharamsala's Outfield Drama Ahead Of ICC ODI World Cup 2023
As the ICC World Cup 2023 gets closer, cricket fans all over the world can't wait for the big game. But getting ready for this cricket extravaganza has been hard because of problems that came up out of the blue.
For example, the condition of the outfield at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium in Dharamsala has become a cause for worry. This beautiful place, which will host five World Cup games, is dealing with a serious problem right now: fungus has taken over the area.
The Dharamsala Venue: A Scenic Cricket Haven
The HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala has been known for a long time as one of the most beautiful places to play cricket because it has amazing views of the mountains around it.
This venue is very important for the ICC World Cup 2023 because it will be the site of games between Bangladesh, Afghanistan, England, South Africa, the Netherlands, India, Australia, and New Zealand from October 7 to October 28.
Fungal Infestation Raises Alarm
The Times of India recently reported that an International Cricket Council (ICC) inspection team lead by pitch consultant Andy Atkinson was very worried about the condition of the Dharamsala outfield.
The main problem is a Grade IV fungal infection, which has gotten the attention of cricket officials.
BCCI's Response
In reaction to the alarming review, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is taking steps to quickly assess the situation and decide what to do about it. In the next few days, a team from the BCCI will do a follow-up check to learn more about what's going on.
Even though the fungus-infected grass is a problem, both the BCCI and the HPCA are still hopeful that the problem can be fixed in time for the ICC ODI World Cup.
Guarantee of a Decision
"Atkinson's study was very worrisome. Grade IV fungal infestation has caused a lot of damage to the fields. He has talked to the BCCI operations team about it. "The local government is looking into the problem," a person from the BCCI said.
A routine check is planned for 20 September, and there is a strong resolve to fix the problem before the World Cup starts. BCCI Secretary Jay Shah could also go to Dharamsala to keep an eye on things.
Troubles in the outfield in the past
The area of the HPCA Stadium has been looked at before, so this is not the first time. During a Test match between India and Australia earlier this year, the pitch was in such bad shape that the match had to be moved to Indore just two weeks before it was supposed to happen.
But it's important to note that the stadium was able to host several IPL games without any problems soon after this happened.