Ahead of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 games scheduled for October-November, several infrastructure projects are planned for the venues. Here is a summary of the upgrades at different stadiums:
In Mumbai, new floodlights and corporate boxes will be installed, while the outfield will be relaid. The Wankhede Stadium, hosting four league games and a semi-final, will also undergo renovations in its corporate boxes and toilets. Additionally, new LED lighting will be introduced.
Every World Cup Stadium will receive 50cr from the BCCI to upgrade their infrastructure. (Indian Express). pic.twitter.com/EUcdbqNcMC
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) June 30, 2023
The MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai will install new LED lights and create two red soil pitches by digging up the square. Lucknow, hosting India’s game against England, will relay its pitches, addressing the criticism they received during the IPL.
Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium will refurbish its seating and toilets. Significant work has already been done at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala. The venue, unable to host a Test match against Australia due to ongoing renovations, is now ready for five World Cup games, including India’s match against New Zealand.
Notable improvements include a new drainage system with specialty pipes, an air-evacuation system to quickly remove excess rainwater, the use of ryegrass mixed with shade-resistant Paspalum grass on the outfield, and the incorporation of river sand and gravel tested in a Scottish lab.
In terms of funding, each World Cup stadium will receive a grant of Rs 50 crore to upgrade its infrastructure. The Indian cricket board has allocated over Rs 500 crore for distribution among the ten venues. Amol Kale, the president of the Mumbai Cricket Association, has assured that the Wankhede Stadium, which hosted the 2011 final, will provide world-class infrastructure and top-notch hospitality services.
Overall, these projects aim to enhance the stadiums’ facilities and create a high-quality experience for players, officials, and spectators during the World Cup.
“The floodlights at the stadium are of good quality, so we don’t have to change them. However, the seats are being changed and the toilets renovated. The software at the turnstiles will also be upgraded so the entry process for fans is smooth.”