SPORTS PITCHES fibres creates a robust and durable playing surface , ensuring players are prepared for competitive play . We are confident the installation will pave the way for a brighter future for Indian cricket , not just in Himachal Pradesh but across the nation .”
Hybrids have already been sanctioned by the England and Wales Cricket Board ( ECB ) for T20 and 50-over competitions , and in 2024 they will be used in four-day County Championship matches for the first time . The Universal machine in India will now travel to Ahmedabad and Mumbai , where it will stitch more pitches for practice and match play .
The first machine of its kind , the Universal has already proven effective in the UK , having been used to install SISGrass at almost every major county ground in England . These include Lord ’ s , The Kia Oval , Edgbaston , Emirates Old Trafford , Trent Bridge , among many others . The machine will remain in India after the first three installations are complete , making it immediately available to other grounds and facilities as projects are approved .
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The HPCA has consistently embraced the latest advances in cricket , and we believe SISGrass ’ s technology will be gamechanging .
Richard Gould , CEO of ECB , added : “ Hybrid pitches have played an important role in enabling some venues to manage an increased amount of cricket during the English summer as the fixture list across men ’ s and women ’ s international and domestic cricket has grown .”
The introduction of hybrid pitches represents an important moment for India ’ s national game , which has championed T20 cricket through the IPL . These shorter formats have been one of the main drivers behind the development of hybrid surfaces , with more intense periods of play making it harder to prepare allnatural surfaces in time for toplevel competition .
“ Cricket is often associated with tradition but the installation of SISGrass in India is a milestone of progress ,” adds Taylor . “ Our hybrid pitches will allow for longer periods of play than is possible with all-natural surfaces , helping to maintain a base level of performance for millions of players across the country . But the technology will also potentially transform grassroots-level cricket , giving juniors the chance to play on the same surfaces found in major stadiums . Our expansion in India is an investment in the future of the game at all levels .”
HPCA has already installed SISAir – another specialist technology business that forms part of the wider SIS Pitches portfolio . SISAir is a sports pitch aeration system that optimises root zone growing conditions , creating stronger and more durable grass . During heavy rainfall , SISAir will also remove excess surface water using a series of pipework installed underneath a playing surface . The technology is used widely across major stadia , including Galatasaray ’ s Rams Park .
For more information on SISGrass , visit : www . sispitches . com / sportspitches / hybrid / installation / cricket
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