DDCA Takes Cue From Dharamshala, Ekana; Plans Modern Drainage Upgrade After DPL 2026

New Delhi, August 29: In South Asian cricket, there is one opponent neither team can outplay: the rain. In India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Pakistan, a passing shower can bring a match to a grinding halt, with delays stretching for two to three hours and disrupting the momentum, rhythm and intensity of both sides. What should be a contest between bat and ball can quickly become a waiting game dictated by the weather.

For years, rain meant one thing at a cricket ground: covers on, players off and a long wait for the skies to clear. But that script is slowly changing in India. At the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) ground in Dharamshala, for instance, the SubAir drainage system can swiftly draw surface water away, allowing the ground staff to get the field ready far quicker than traditional systems.

The technology has also made headlines elsewhere. At Lucknow's Ekana Stadium, a rain-hit game was able to resume within two hours after standing water was cleared, a striking example of how modern drainage can turn what once seemed like a match-ending downpour into little more than a brief interruption.

Taking a cue from these modern examples, the Delhi Development Cricket Association (DDCA) is now looking to follow suit, with plans to modernise the existing technology following the conclusion of the Delhi Premier League (DPL) 2026.

Speaking exclusively to myKhel, DDCA secretary Ashok Sharma outlined the association's plans to modernise its infrastructure. He also spoke about the ongoing DPL 2026 season and the emergence of a promising crop of young talent, including Aaryavir Sehwag, making their mark through the Delhi cricket system.

"Work Will Be Planned": Ashok Sharma Lays Plan For Stadium Renovations

Sharma explained that when the stadium was originally built, the DDCA had adopted the technology available at the time. However, with newer and more advanced systems now being introduced at modern venues, the association is looking to upgrade its infrastructure.

He cited Pathankot and Dharamshala as examples, noting that their modern drainage systems can help resume matches within around two hours of rain. Sharma added that the DDCA continues to adopt new technology as it becomes available.

Speaking about the stadium renovations, Sharma said that the DDCA will begin the tender process soon and the entire process could take up to 3-4 months once the present season ends.

"The tender process is about to begin, and once that is completed, the work will be planned. It will take around three to four months to prepare the wicket and maintain the entire ground. That said, we have already incorporated a lot of advanced technology into our stadium, and very few stadiums have the same facilities. Our rainwater drainage system is very efficient," Sharma said.

However, he highlighted that the authorities have demanded rainwater to be 'harvested and conserved', a tangible plan needs to be formulated to keep the environmental preservation and modernisation work in tandem.

With the mega Afghanistan series on the horizon, these preparations will definitely become handy, given the rain gods decide to make a guest appearance.

Preparations For Afghanistan Series

The DDCA has begun preparations for the three T20Is scheduled in Delhi on December 13, 15 and 17. DDCA secretary Ashok Sharma said the association is nearly ready to host the international fixtures, stressing that there would be no shortage of facilities at the Test centre.

"We are preparing for the series. Since this is our Test centre, there will be no shortage of facilities," Sharma said.

He explained that the DDCA's ground preparations had already been completed. At the same time, further discussions with the Afghanistan Cricket Board would focus on arrangements, advertising and other operational aspects.

Sharma added that financial discussions were also nearing completion, with Afghanistan set to bear the expenses and retain the profits from ticket sales. DDCA, he said, would receive its share based on the expenses incurred.

He also expects strong attendance, with international cricket returning to Delhi after the DPL's growing popularity among local fans.

DPL Fast Becoming 'Delhi's IPL': Sharma Stresses On DPL's Growing Popularity

The Delhi Premier League (DPL) has grown into a major platform for young cricketers in just three editions, despite a challenging start. DDCA secretary Ashok Sharma admitted that when the league was launched, "we ourselves did not expect it to become as successful as it has."

Sharma recalled the initial days when the DDCA was struggling to attract bidders, having to convince them that an ₹8 crore investment would not go to waste.The primary objective, he said, was to provide Delhi's youngsters with a professional platform where their performances could put them on the radar for the IPL auction. "If you perform well in the DPL, your performance will be noticed ahead of the IPL auction," Sharma said.

Sharma credited DDCA president Rohan Jaitley and the Apex Council for turning the vision into reality, with the tournament launched within 15 days.

The league's success has also extended to women's cricket. Sharma said the DDCA initially struggled for players but strengthened grassroots programmes through its affiliated units, eventually attracting 42 teams to the Women's League.

The initiative has already produced results, with players like Pratika Rawal who have represented India, making her way in through the U19 setup.

Overall, the Delhi Premier League has evolved significantly since its inception, growing from an ambitious initiative into an important platform for emerging cricketers in Delhi-NCR. Its structured pathway from grassroots cricket and local leagues to the DPL auction has created opportunities for young players, particularly in women's cricket, to showcase their talent on a bigger stage.