By Monojit Mandal
SHILLONG: Renovation of Alotgre and Polo Cricket Ground are expected to be completed by end of September with the former promising to look like the ones in New Zealand.
Meghalaya Cricket Association officials in exclusive chats with The Shillong Times, revealed that the renovation work is 80 per cent complete at both the venues with Alotgre showing faster progress than Shillong. The work at Shillong includes underground water storage, sprinkler irrigation system and dressing room facility.
The Meghalaya Cricket Association (MCA) Grounds Committee headed by Rayonald Kharkamni and MCA Infrastructure Committee headed by Eddystone Shylla have taken stock of the progress of work post lockdown on the BCCI-assigned projects of Renovation of Alotgre and Polo Cricket Ground (Pitches and Outfield).
The ground is prepared as per BCCI guidelines that stipulate 9 pitches at the centre and another 6 for practice. The grass used for the pitches is ‘ Rye’ while for the outfield it is ‘ Bent Cross’. In no other ground in the country such cold-resistant grasses are grown. Both the grounds will have machinery like coring machines, rollers, lawnmower etc.
“For the first time in the country, cold weather grass is being used on the wickets and the outfield.
The outfield (Shillong Ground) will be completed by the end of July 2020. Overall, the work done is satisfactory. The ground is being installed with 60 pop-up irrigation system,” said Rayonald Kharkamni, Chairman Grounds & Pitches Committee, MCA
“Alotgre is located on a picturesque hilltop shaped like a crater while Shillong being cold and dry in winter when matches are held will be challenging to the players” added Rayonald.
“We hope that the BCCI trials in Meghalaya will work out well since cricket here is mainly played during the dry and cold season,” said Gideon Kharkongor, Honorary Secretary, MCA. “MCA in the last season had relied on Assam to host home matches but with completion of the grounds, now the home matches will be scheduled here. With the uncertainty due to COVID-19, MCA hopes to complete the entire work by end of September 2020 so that if BCCI decides to have the tournament MCA will be ready,” Gideon added.
According to the source, the cost of renovation work for Polo Cricket Ground, Shillong is Rs 1.96 crore minus GST. Besides, the cost of the dressing room is Rs 1.14 crore, whereas the cost for renovation of Alotgre, Tura is Rs 1.63 crore minus GST. All the work was allocated directly by BCCI to the vendors.
“Shillong ground is unique by way of location and climatic conditions. I have been impressing upon BCCI officials since many years that considering the climate this centre can be used for high altitude training, even for the Indian team before the overseas tour to England and New Zealand, “said Naba Bhattacharjee, Former Honorary Secretary, MCA & Convenor, BCCI Task Force for NE
“This was primarily the purpose of developing the ground with indoor practice facilities (which also was sanctioned in 2018 but funds are yet to be released) to make it a standalone centre of excellence,” Bhattacharjee added.
As for Alotgre, Bhattacharjee compared the ground in Tura with the picturesque grounds Down Under. He said, “The location itself is unique and breathtaking, similar to grounds in New Zealand. It has tremendous potential to hold and host even BCCI matches once the infrastructure is in place.”
Dikki D Shira, President, Tura District Cricket Association (TDCA) said that the ground was almost ready for the game, barring periphery drainage and fencing, a state-of-the-art dressing room with arrangement for match referees, umpires and a few others.
“The progress is good and the ground can be utilised in the coming season, “Shira said over telephone..
He also added that TDCA has plans to make an open gallery for the spectators who can enjoy the game sitting in their cars surrounding the ground, much like the grounds in New Zealand.
“The work at Alotgre started almost at the same time. Overall, 90 per cent of the work is complete. The grass used on these wickets is Bermuda Selection-1, which is widely used all over the country. Drainage work around the main ground is also nearing completion.” Said John FG Momin, Secretary, TDCA.