Dharamshala may miss hosting the third Border Gavaskar Trophy Test due to a problem with the outfield.
The Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamshala was awarded the right to host the third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy between India and Australia, but the BCCI believes the stadium may not be ready in time following recent renovations, according to The Indian Express.
The Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamshala is one of the world’s most beautiful stadiums. It last hosted a first-class game before the pandemic hit in early 2020. The venue hosted only one Test match, which happened to be during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy’s 2016-17 season. India won the series 2-1 after winning the game in four days.
The last international cricket games played at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala were twin T20 matches between India and Sri Lanka in February. There hasn’t been any cricket played at the venue since then due to the association’s decision to repair the outfield and instal a new drainage system. It is also stated that the outfield is still not ready, with barren spots where grass cover has not yet established itself.
The inspection committee will determine whether the outfield is suitable, secure, and strong enough to withstand the damage caused by a Test match. According to experts, the outfield is sand-based, which necessitates a thick grass cover.
While ticket sales for the second Border Gavaskar Trophy Test, which will be played at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi beginning February 17, have already begun, the BCCI has yet to release the same for the final two Tests. The fourth Test is set to take place from March 9 to 13 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
