IND vs AUS: The third Test match between India and Australia in the Border Gavaskar Trophy could be relocated to a new venue. The originally scheduled host, the HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala, is facing doubts about its preparedness for the game due to the incompletion of the outfield.
BCCI to conduct inspection for IND vs AUS third test
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will conduct an inspection on February 12th to determine the fate of the venue, with the final decision to be made afterwards. The HPCA Stadium is under risk of losing the hosting rights due to the ongoing relay work on the outfield and the impact of recent rains. An HPCA source expressed confidence in the stadium’s readiness before the game, but the BCCI is considering Mohali and Bangalore as alternate venues.
The HPCA has only hosted one Test match in the past six years. The BCCI also requires a domestic match to be played at the venue before an India game, which has not occurred yet. The HPCA source was quoted saying, “The HPCA will take a call after the BCCI inspection. We have relaid whole surface with proper drainage and have added sprinkle to the ground. Some work is still pending and as three weeks is left we feel the work will be completed.”
What are the other venue options?
Should the game be moved, Mohali and Bengaluru are being considered due to their proximity and availability. The decision on the venue will be taken after the BCCI’s inspection of the Dharamshala surface. The HPCA remains hopeful of hosting the match, confident that the stadium will be ready for the game in the coming weeks.
A source said, “In case the Test is moved out, even the curators at the new venue need time to get the pitch ready. A final call is expected by Monday or Tuesday.”
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