The BCCI has been hit with another major roadblock in the build-up to the World Cup 2023 as the outfield at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala has been heavily infected with fungus.
The Times Of India has reported that the ICC inspected the Dharamsala venue and has been left with concerns. ICC’s pitch consultant Andy Atkinson “has not given a satisfactory review about the Dharamsala outfield.”
The BCCI has decided to sent another team to the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala to rectify the newly-developed issues due to the fungus in the outfield of the ground. Andy Atkinson immediately raised concern about the fungus in the outfield and reported it to the ICC and the BCCI officials.
“Atkinson’s review was quite concerning. The outfield has been majorly affected by Grade IV fungal infestation. He has raised the issue with the BCCI operations team. The local authorities are looking into the issue,” a BCCI source told TOI.
Jay Shah to travel to Dharamsala to inspect
The HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala is one of the most picturesque venues in the world with the mountain range in its backdrop. The venue will be hosting 5 matches in the World Cup 2023, including India vs New Zealand on October 22.
“There’s an assurance given that the problem will be resolved by the time the World Cup comes around. The BCCI team will be doing a routine check by September 20 or this weekend. BCCI Secretary Jay Shah may travel to Dharamsala to take stock of the situation,” the source said.
This is the second time this year that Dharamsala has come under scrutiny. The HPCA had earlier failed to prepare the ground for the India vs Australia Test match in March, which was then forced to be shifted to Indore just a fortnight before the match. The venue, though, hosted a couple of IPL games with success.
Fans are excited to travel to this beautiful city to experience the World Cup 2023.
