Dharamshala Stadium gets India’s first-ever SISGrass hybrid pitch

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Dharamshala, May 6: A historic occasion unfolded on Monday (May 6) at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium in Dharamshala.

The debut of India's inaugural SISGrass hybrid pitch was commemorated, graced by the presence of Arun Dhumal, Chairman of the Indian Premier League (IPL), Paul Taylor, former English cricket star and SIS's International Cricket Director, alongside esteemed dignitaries from HPCA.

This event signals a pivotal moment in Indian cricket, poised to enhance the quality of gameplay on Indian pitches significantly. The introduction of the SISGrass hybrid pitch underscores Indian Cricket's ongoing dedication to bolstering cricket infrastructure, thereby enriching the playing experience for athletes and spectators alike.

Addressing the audience during the unveiling, Arun Dhumal expressed his delight, stating, "I'm thrilled to witness the inauguration of India's first SISGrass hybrid pitch at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala. This remarkable development showcases the progressive spirit that is driving Indian cricket forward. By adopting innovative solutions like the ICC-approved hybrid pitches, we aren't just ensuring a sustainable future for the sport, but also building another avenue for growth."

Mr. Dhumal further emphasized, "The HPCA's relentless commitment to advancements like introducing SISGrass Hybrid Pitches, LED Flood Lights, and the SIS Air System demonstrates their leadership in creating a world-class cricketing infrastructure. Adopting these latest innovations will ensure Indian cricket can seal its position as a global sporting powerhouse, while also setting a template for other countries to follow."

Paul Taylor, SIS's International Cricket Director, expressed gratitude to the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) for their collaboration on this pioneering endeavour. He announced the successful installation and implementation of hybrid cricket pitches at the iconic Dharamshala Stadium, endorsed by the BCCI.

Taylor highlighted plans to extend these initiatives to Mumbai and Ahmedabad, aiming to broaden opportunities for grassroots participation and ensure the durability of pitches amidst the rigours of the game.

"We extend our sincere appreciation to the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) for collaborating with us on this pioneering project. We are pleased to announce the successful installation and implementation of hybrid cricket pitches at the iconic Dharamshala Stadium.

"As a BCCI-approved initiative, this encourages us to set the stage for further explorations of hybrid pitches in Mumbai and Ahmedabad. We aim to expand opportunities that strengthen cricket at the grassroots level for more participation and ensure that our pitches can endure the game's rigours."

The unveiling of the SISGrass hybrid pitch resonates as a source of pride for all stakeholders involved in nurturing cricket in India. Such endeavours are instrumental in fostering a robust foundation for the sport, pivotal for its continued advancement.

SISGrass's investment in India follows the International Cricket Council's (ICC) authorization of hybrid surfaces for T20 and 50-over competitions. With successful installations across English cricket grounds, hybrid pitches approved for T20 and 50-over formats will now feature in four-day County Championship matches commencing this year.

The 'Universal Machine,' utilised in Dharamshala for installing the hybrid surface, was pioneered by SISGrass in 2017. This innovative apparatus infuses a small percentage of polymer fibre with natural turf within cricket stadiums and pitches, ensuring heightened resilience to play-induced stresses, prolonged pitch life, consistent bounce, and reduced strain on ground staff. While predominantly natural, the completed installations incorporate only 5% polymer fibre, preserving the essence of an all-natural pitch.

Having already proven its efficacy in the UK, where it facilitated SISGrass installations at major County grounds, the 'Universal Machine' will be relocated to Mumbai and Ahmedabad to facilitate additional pitch constructions for practice and matches. Following completion of initial installations, the machine will remain in India, readily available for subsequent projects across various grounds and facilities.

SISGrass has redefined cricket by introducing stitched hybrid wickets, integrating cutting-edge technology from elite sports like football, rugby, tennis, and golf, as well as prestigious leagues such as the English Premier League and the NFL. Leveraging these advancements, SISGrass demonstrates its commitment to enhancing athlete performance and experience across diverse sporting disciplines, while fostering a culture of excellence and innovation within the industry.