Uttarakhand’s cricket team reached the semi-finals of Ranji Trophy for the first time. Meanwhile, the team also had a golden opportunity to prove the state’s cricket on the national stage. But, the pitch curator of BCCI refused to hold the semi-finals of Ranji Trophy at Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Dehradun.
In fact, when BCCI pitch curator Rakesh Kumar inspected the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Dehradun, the sight that emerged was shameful. The condition of the pitch was so bad that it became impossible to hold the match here. The result of which was that the hosting of the semi-finals went out of the hands of Uttarakhand and went into the hands of Uttar Pradesh. There is a possibility that the semi-finals of Ranji Trophy will now be played at Ekana Stadium in Lucknow or Green Park in Kanpur.
‘The pitch was dangerous for the players’
According to the report of BCCI curator Rakesh Kumar, the surface of the pitch has become so uneven that it can be dangerous for the players. An international level stadium has reached such a condition that leave alone holding high level matches, even ordinary matches have become difficult. Because of this BCCI was left with no option. Saurashtra, Karnataka and Bangalore were also in the race to host this match, but ultimately this opportunity went in the favor of Uttar Pradesh.
Semi-final to be held with Karnataka
Uttarakhand’s next semi-final match is to be with Karnataka. If this match had taken place in Dehradun, the scene would have been different, the stadium would have been packed with spectators. There would have been a lot of activity in the city and Uttarakhand would have created a distinct identity in cricket, but after the report of the pitch curator, all these dreams were put on hold.
Government claims and ground reality
The state government has said many times that Rajiv Gandhi Stadium will be made world class. Sports infrastructure is a priority for the government, although the reality tells something else. The stadium has now become just a venue for corporate league matches, functions, weddings and occasional concerts. In such a situation, no attention is being paid to the maintenance of the stadium.