The iconic Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association stadium in Dharamshala is currently under fire after several teams complained about the pitch quality and fear of potential injuries, find out more below about the outfield issue and HPCA controversy
The first round of fixtures in the ongoing tournament concluded just last week on Sunday with hosts India beating Australia.
HPCA stadium Dharamshala outfield issue and controversy explained in ODI Cricket World Cup 2023
A lovely setting for today's Bangladesh v England World Cup match. The HPCA Stadium at Dharamsala is a rarity in that it's a fairly new ground (opened in 2003) which has a real character of its own not to mention a stunning backdrop (Darrian Traynor) pic.twitter.com/YiQc6Tfrt5
— Historic Cricket Pictures (@PictureSporting) October 10, 2023
England Cricket Team at HPCA Stadium Dharamsala ♥️ pic.twitter.com/DU03SO5Dy2
— Over Thinker Lawyer 🇵🇰 (@Mujha_q_Nakala) October 9, 2023
Defending champions England are now looking to begin their second round against Bangladesh on 10 October in Dharamsala.
However, ahead of the match, there are several injury concerns regarding the outfield of the HPCA Stadium. Find out more about it below
HPCA Stadium Dharamsala injury concerns
Prior to the match England captain Jos Buttler shared in a press conference that the HPCA Stadium outfield was not ‘as good as it should be’.
He further stated:
I think it’s poor, in my own opinion. It’s not as good as it could be or should be. If you feel like you’re having to hold yourself back, it’s not a place you want to be as a team or as a player. Any time you’re talking about being careful diving, or maybe being careful when you’re fielding, it goes against everything you want to be as a team. It’s obviously not ideal, the way the surface is.”
Buttler also added:
The powers that be are comfortable… the only thing I would question is, if you are telling players not to dive and stuff does that question the integrity of the game?”
HPCA stadium Dharamshala outfield problems
Ever since English journalists arrived at the stadium ahead of the game, the outfield at Dharamsala has caused major concerns. In fact, the HPCA Stadium came under fire just two weeks ahead of the start of the tournament following a fungus infection on the outfield. According to the ICC pitch consultant Andy Atkinson, the venue was ‘not satisfactory’.
As a result, a re-laying process started but due to the time factor, the process was rushed. This led to several sandy and uneven patches across the outfield. Ultimately, all these factors have caused widespread concerns among players about injury risks and safety concerns. The risk particularly stands true for fielders who often have to dive in the outfield.
Afghanistan head coach Jonathan Trott cited how Mujeeb Ur Rahman got his knee stuck in the turf while attempting a dive to stop the ball from going to the boundary. He added how when the players are unsure of whether they can dive it affects the quality of play. Trott further stated how people should raise questions on why the outfield was infected in the first place. He also suggested that the ICC needs to find a better solution in order to avoid serious injuries to players. The HPCA stadium in Dharamsala is currently set to host a total of five matches in the ongoing World Cup.
ICC ODI Cricket World Cup 2023 favorites odds
Going into the tournament, India, England and Australia are currently among the favorites to win the ICC World Cup 2023. Behind them are Pakistan and New Zealand who are tied on odds for a top four finish. Meanwhile, South Africa also has a decent chance of entering the semis and finishing in top four.
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