The Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) has started preparations to relay the outfield of the Dharamshala International Cricket Stadium ahead of the T20 match scheduled between India and South Africa in December. The existing mixed grass on the ground will be replaced with winter-friendly rye grass, which is expected to be more suitable for the colder climate during the match period.
According to HPCA Secretary Avnish Parmar, the old mixed grass will be removed completely over the next few days, and fresh rye grass seeds will be sown. The germination process is expected to take around 22 to 25 days, after which the outfield will begin to regain its green cover.
It may be recalled that just three years ago, the stadium’s outfield underwent a major revamp with the installation of an advanced sub-air system. During that redevelopment, rye grass was also introduced for the winter, followed by Bermuda grass seeding. However, over time, the presence of mixed grass has led to the emergence of patches and poor-quality turf in some sections of the field.
In light of this, the association has now decided to restore the outfield with a fresh batch of rye grass to ensure optimal playing conditions for the upcoming international fixture. The turf replacement process is already underway and is expected to be completed within a week.
The Dharamshala stadium, known for its picturesque backdrop and challenging weather conditions, remains a key venue for international and domestic cricket. The upcoming India vs South Africa T20 match will be one of the high-profile fixtures hosted by the stadium this winter.
