The laying of the main gate started a few days ago and will be completed within the next 20 days, along with the laying of the new outfield
Published Date – Saturday 23/24 at 09:01pm
Hyderabad: The Gymkhana cricket ground is about to undergo a makeover, with works well underway on this iconic venue that has hosted major matches in the past.
The laying of the main gate started a few days ago and will be completed within the next 20 days, along with the laying of the new outfield. The course, which has hosted games since the 20s, was last revamped in 1995 by YL Chandrasekhar Rao. Interestingly, 28 years later, he is at the helm again.
Former CRPF director-general K Durga Prasad, who is assisting the one-man committee of Supreme Court-appointed Judge L Nageswar Rao to manage Hyderabad Cricket Association affairs, said: “We have started outfield work today. In two months, we have a new one. Heaven and earth. We also plan to introduce pop-up sprinklers soon. Gymkhana will soon have a new look.”
Durga Prasad further revealed that the eight newly laid eight wickets are specially designed for female cricketers. “Eight wickets were recently laid for female cricketers. We are also planning to add seven to eight new wickets at the entrance, specifically for cricketers from economically disadvantaged areas. We are still considering options,” he added.
Meanwhile, HCA chairman and BCCI-certified curator Chandrasekhar said the credit for revamping the Gymkhana should go to Durga Prasad. “This is a huge boost for Hyderabad cricketers. We have tried to renew the land in the past but it didn’t work. Thanks to Durga Prasad, this is happening now. I am happy after 28 years to work on the land again.”
“We’ve also added red clay to the outfield, which will be up to international standards once it’s over. When it rains, the water seeps in quickly. The job will take another 60 days to complete because of the rain around,” he explained.
Chandrasekhar has experience working in various venues in the country. “After working with several venues including Chepauk in Chennai and Goa, we saw it as a challenge to bring it in line with international venues,” he concluded.
