Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi to undergo renovation to get World Cup ready
In the last ten years, the popularity of cricket in India has soared, and the BCCI has made billions from broadcast rights.
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The Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi is undergoing extensive renovations in preparation for the impending One-Day International (ODI) World Cup, which will be held in India between October and November. Five matches of the 2023 ODI World Cup will take place at this venue. The action is a response to criticism leveled against the venue earlier this year for its lack of basic hygiene, especially in the restrooms.
In April, the BCCI's Gap evaluation revealed that Delhi, along with Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Mohali, was one of the five venues in India that required extensive renovations. A gap evaluation illustrates the variances between the organization's current state and its desired future state.
Over the past decade, cricket's prominence in India has skyrocketed, and the BCCI has earned billions of dollars from broadcast rights. However, because most stadiums in India lack even the most fundamental amenities, fans are frequently neglected.
The joint secretary of the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA), Rajan Manchanda, emphasized the DDCA's commitment to improving stadium infrastructure in order to provide fans with an exceptional experience during the significant event.
"We have planned a significant upgrade to the facilities, which includes replacing the spectator seats, renovating the restrooms, repainting the walls, and updating our ticketing software," Manchanda told The Indian Express.
According to Manchanda, the DDCA will replace approximately 10,000 benches and update the 15-year-old turnstiles at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, which has a capacity of 35,000.
"We must provide spotless restrooms, hygienic food, and water at a reasonable price for our supporters. The quantity of the housekeeping staff will also be increased. We hope to have everything completed by September 15," said Manchanda.
According to reports, teams from the BCCI and the International Cricket Council (ICC) will conduct a thorough recce of the Arun Jaitley Stadium in the third week of July, including an evaluation of the pitch and outfield, to ensure that the venue reaches the highest standards.
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Even though the weather in October and November is not particularly unpleasant, the spectators will still be exposed to the sun because the DDCA is unable to cover the open stands with a roof without demolishing and reconstructing the existing structure.
On October 7, South Africa will compete against a Qualifier team in Delhi's inaugural match. When India and Afghanistan square off against each other on October 11, it will arguably be the largest match ever played at this venue. Afghanistan will also face England on October 14 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. October 25 is scheduled for the final two league contests.
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