Cricket matches to resume in Faridabad stadium next year

Bijendra Ahlawat 

The state government has started a project to renovate the Nahar Singh International Cricket Stadium in Faridabad that has been lying unused for the past 13 years.  

Though the announcement to renovate the stadium was made over a year ago, the work on the project costing Rs 115 crore began recently. “It is expected to be ready for cricket matches again by early next year. The authorities concerned have proposed to provide a state-of-the-art infrastructure and raise the seating capacity for spectators from present 25,000 to 40,000,” says Rajkumar, senior cricket coach associated with the Haryana Department of Sports. The renovation project includes laying of new pitches, fresh grass ground, digital scoreboard, parking space and world-class facilities for both players and spectators. While broken stairs are being repaired, new stairs will also be built. The cricket pitch and the ground will be able to soak additional water instantly, so that a match is not disturbed for long due to rains and can be resumed shortly, says Rajkumar.

“Once known as a jewel of cricket in the crown of Haryana, this stadium became a victim of politics between various cricket associations and the authorities concerned. It led to a kind of blanket ban on matches in the stadium that remained abandoned for the past 13 years,” says Sarkar Talwar, a former Ranji player from the state. 

The last international match was played at the stadium between India and England on March 31, 2006. Kapil Arora, a former Ranji player, says the stadium requires not only renovation but also resumption of national and international matches to motivate budding players from the region. “The stadium was opened for the first time in 1987. Almost all chairs in the stadium are broken, and stairs, railings and other infrastructure are dilapidated for the past several years. No repairs or paint work has been done in the past 15 years, leading to cracks in walls, and building, damaged windowpanes and growth of wild vegetation all around. Cracked and discolored walls, stinking washrooms, dusty surroundings and frequent presence of anti-social elements have made it an undesirable place for visitors,” claims an employee at the stadium.

Built in 1981, the stadium has hosted eight international one-day matches and more than 50 Ranji and Deodhar trophy matches. The first one-day international match was played here on January 19, 1988. While a cricket nursery has been operational, the Sports Department has the responsibility to maintain the stadium. It has six central pitches, three practice pitches, a pavilion with a suite of 200 seats. Eight one-day international matches involving India, West Indies, Zimbabwe, England, New Zealand, Australia and South Africa have been played here so far.

A victim of politicis

"Once known as a jewel of cricket in the crown of Haryana, this stadium became a victim of politics between various cricket associations and the authorities concerned. It led to a kind of blanket ban on matches in the stadium that remained abandoned for the past 13 years." — Sarkar Talwar, a former Ranji player