IPL 2023: UPCA to hire specialists to avoid pitch disasters

The Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA) will be appointing two specialists to take care of Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow ahead of the upcoming Indian Premier League 2023 season. The decision came after the recent pitch disaster during India's second T20I match against New Zealand on January 29.

New Zealand were restricted to just 99/8 while batting first and then the hosts managed to chase the target with a ball to spare. Spinners bowled 30 off 40 overs while the batters from both teams struggled to hit a six. A slow and turning wicket received strong criticism from Indian captain Hardik Pandya after the game as well.

"To be honest, it was a shocker of a wicket. Both the games we have played so far. I don't mind difficult wickets. I am all up for that, but these two wickets are not made for T20. Somewhere down the line the curators or the grounds that we are going to play in should make sure they prepare the pitches earlier," Hardik Pandya said after the second T20I.

We will make sure everything is in place for the IPL: UPCA official

UPCA's CEO Ankit Chatterjee confirmed that they will be hiring two specialists to encounter any issues with a pitch in the future. He said that one expert will take care of the pitch and another will look after outfield conditions. 

"We are going to appoint two specialists who will take care of the stadium. One will be an expert on the pitch and another will be a professional on the outfield. We are taking required permissions from other state associations to hire their services," Chatterjee was quoted by Cricbuzz.

Lucknow's pitch has previously hosted IPL matches but this is the first time it will be a host for Lucknow Super Giants. The BCCI has confirmed that the upcoming edition of the tournament, which is expected to start on April 1, will be played on a home and away basis. 

"We want the playing conditions to be foolproof and we don't want to take any chances for the IPL. The franchise also practises a lot at the ground and they need to have home advantage and we will make sure everything is in place for the IPL and we will ensure there are no such issues during the season," Chatterjee added.