The preparations for World Cup 2023 are in full swing. With less than 100 days left for the mega event, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has sped things up in terms of the renovation of all 12 venues. Among other things, new floodlights, imported grass new dressing room, a better ticketing system, a plethora of changes are on the cards. BCCI has allocated a total of Rs 500 cr for renovations.
Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad which will host the India vs Pakistan clash is already undergoing renovation for the pitch. Eden Gardens in Kolkata will have a new dressing room while Dharamshala is getting a new outfield with imported grass.
But most importantly, most of the stadiums will have an upgraded ticketing system. With ICC set to release tickets for World Cup 2023 next week. After massive backlash for IPL ticketing, the entire process is expected to be online.
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World Cup 2023 venue upgrades:
- Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad: The venue for the mega India vs Pakistan clash is undergoing minor upgrades. Apart from newly-laid pitches, the outfield is also getting renovated.
- Hyderabad, Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium: The venue is ready but it will also have newly-laid pitches apart from some patchwork here and there to get it ready for the World Cup games. Pakistan will play four matches at this venue.
- Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium: The HPCA stadium could not host India vs Australia Test after the outfield work could not be completed within time. But the venue is now ready. It has got a facelift at all areas possible. From imported rye grass that is suitable for winter to river sand and gravel specially tested in Scotland, HPCA stadium has received special treatment. Furthermore, 6000 meters of pipes have been laid for a sub-air system that will help the stadium get ready quickly for matches in case of rain.
- “We relaid the whole surface of the stadium and we did a makeover of VVIP and hospitality boxes too. We hired the best expert for the relaying process. We wanted to ensure we have good drainage facilities and got grass from abroad. We changed a few seats, painted the stands. There was a leakage problem, we fixed that too. We wanted to ensure that after rain, the game should start as soon as possible,” Arun Dhumal, an HPCA member told The Indian Express.
- New Delhi, Arun Jaitley Stadium: One of the dreaded venues for the fans Arun Jaitley Stadium will get some mandatory renovations done for World Cup fans. Most importantly, it will get upgraded toilets and better ticketing software. The outfield has already been renovated.
- “The floodlights at the stadium are of good quality, so we don’t have to change them. However, the seats are being changed and the toilets renovated. The software at the turnstiles will also be upgraded so the entry process for fans is smooth,” DDCA joint secretary Rajan Manchanda told Indian Express.
- Chennai, M.A. Chidambaram Stadium: The primary change is the two pitches. Cheapak is relaying two red soil pitches for World Cup. Furthermore, new LED lights are being installed for better broadcast as well as lighting experience.
- Lucknow, Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium: Ekana Stadium has faced the wrath of players and fans for poor sluggish pitches of late and in IPL 2023. Ekana is now getting two new pitches.
- Pune, Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium: MCA Stadium is hosting Maharashtra Premier League matches at the moment. MCA President Rohit Pawar believes these games will give them a fair idea of the areas to improve on. Some of the stands are likely to be covered while toilets parking and roads will also get a facelift.
- Bengaluru, M. Chinnaswamy Stadium: No major work is scheduled for Bengaluru apart from improving toilets and relaying new pitches.
- Mumbai, Wankhede Stadium: The venue for World Cup Final 2011 will get new LED floodlights. There will also be new corporate boxes at the Wankhede.
- Kolkata, Eden Gardens: It already got a facelift ahead of 2011 WC. Now, Eden Gardens will get upgraded dressing rooms.
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