The HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala was able to host the first ODI between India and Afghanistan despite steady rain at the start. (ANI)

TimesofIndia.com in Dharamsala: Around 5pm on Saturday, Rohit Sharma was the first Indian cricketer to walk out at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala. Relentless rain delayed the start of the first ODI between India and Afghanistan, forcing the players to stay busy with some indoor cricket as the weather showed no mercy. The DJ tried his best to entertain the spectators and the mighty Dhauladhar played a perfect tease in a very gloomy setting. The covers finally came off around 4:50pm and it took the groundstaff only 15 minutes to have the outfield ready for the toss. The Afghanistan openers took guard just 45 minutes after the covers came off for the first time that day.The entire ground was not covered, and the run-up area was protected only after the downpour became heavier. The moment the rain subsided, the sub-surface drainage system did its magic and the field was game-ready within 20 minutes.The HPCA Stadium is only the second cricket stadium in the country, after Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, to have the drainage system that allows for minimal delays the moment the weather clears up. Dharamsala acquired the technology ahead of the 2023 ODI World Cup while Chinnaswamy has been using it for close to a decade now.

Graphical representation of Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru and its preparation to deal with heavy rain. (Image: Representational photo/TimesofIndia.com)

No other venue in the country has warmed up to this idea and continues to rely on traditional methods like full ground covers – something which was pressed upon by then BCCI secretary Jay Shah ahead of the 2023 ODI World Cup. It is learnt that Chepauk explored the idea when they were relaying the entire outfield but the initial conversations never materialised and they continue to use the traditional drainage system.How expensive is the sub-surface drainage system?The sub-surface system used by Chinnaswamy and HPCA Stadium could range anywhere between Rs 6-8 crores. While this cost is at least five times more than traditional full ground covers, it eradicates the percentage of human error. With the drainage system, no association needs full ground covers or the army of ground staff required to seamlessly move them during interruptions.There is the need for regular maintenance but the operational cost is much less than the benefit it provides.

Graphical representation of the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala and its preparation to deal with heavy rain. (Image: Representational photo/TimesofIndia.com)

“No association is short of funds. The BCCI is giving them enough to maintain world class infrastructure and it’s all about having the right priorities. The fans and other stakeholders can’t be taken for a ride. Every washed-out cricket match is a wakeup call and it’s the job of the administrators to ensure infrastructure is the last hurdle,” explains a veteran BCCI official.TimesofIndia.com reached out to multiple stakeholders, and all were unanimous in explaining how a washed-out match affects the finances. The comprehensive insurance plan covers most revenue streams. While finances aren’t severely hit, the cricket and spectators – the most important stakeholders — take a hit. There is some loss of ticket revenue because the money must be refunded if no balls are bowled.“The revenue streams are taken care of by the insurance. Even the broadcaster doesn’t lose much or anything because the inventory is played out during the rain-interrupted capsules. The one who suffers is the spectator who paid the top price for a seat in the stadium, and the teams participating in the fixture,” explains the CEO of a leading IPL franchise.