In an unusual incident that has brought attention to the state of domestic cricket infrastructure in India, the Moin-ul-Haq Stadium in Patna recently made headlines when ground staff used an unconventional method to dry the pitch during a Ranji Trophy 2024 Elite Group C match between Bihar and Karnataka.
After rains disrupted play, delaying the match, several groundsmen were spotted burning dung cakes to dry out the wet surface. A video capturing the scene quickly went viral, sparking discussions about the state of cricketing facilities, especially in domestic matches.
Dungcakes on fire! Not the cake you would want to hear about in this weather. @sportstarweb #RanjiTrophy https://t.co/Mdt7bGDaeT pic.twitter.com/hUvFCDmTvd
— Santadeep Dey (@SantadeepDey) October 27, 2024
The Incident Overview
During the match, the ground staff found themselves in a difficult position when rains caused the pitch and outfield to become damp and unsuitable for play. Without high-tech drying equipment, they resorted to a resourceful method common in rural areas: burning dung cakes. Dung cakes, while unconventional in a sports setting, are often used in India for cooking and warmth, making them a natural drying agent for damp surfaces.
This stark contrast often leaves groundsmen at domestic venues with limited options, particularly when faced with unexpected weather conditions. Many Indian stadiums depend on makeshift methods that, while practical, are not always ideal for maintaining the professional standards expected in competitive sports.
Match Highlights: Bihar vs. Karnataka
The Ranji Trophy 2024 Elite Group C match between Bihar and Karnataka has been significantly affected by the weather. On the first day, Karnataka, who won the toss and opted to bowl, quickly capitalized on the conditions by restricting Bihar to a modest total of 143 runs. Bihar’s innings was characterized by sporadic batting performances, with opening batter Sharman Nigrodh’s steady 60 being the standout score. The Karnataka spinners, Shreyas Gopal and Mohsin Khan, managed to pick up crucial wickets, making it difficult for Bihar to build a substantial score.
Infrastructure in Domestic Cricket
The incident has reignited calls for more investment in domestic cricket infrastructure in India. With the popularity of cricket soaring, even at the grassroots level, there is a growing consensus that domestic matches deserve facilities on par with international standards. Improved drainage systems, quality equipment, and advanced ground maintenance tools could help prevent similar issues in the future, allowing domestic competitions to run smoothly.
The sight of ground staff using dung cakes to dry the pitch sparked a flurry of reactions on social media. While some fans expressed amusement, others voiced concerns over the state of Indian domestic cricket. Several experts joined the conversation, emphasizing the need for improved funding and resources.
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