The Newz Radar
MANDI: The Paddal Ground, steeped in cricket history and having hosted significant events like Ranji Trophy matches, two Deodhar Trophy matches and several junior national-level cricket matches between 1980 and 2002, is on the brink of a revival after a hiatus spanning more than two decades. The last match played here was the Deodhar Trophy in 2002, and since then, no matches have been played on this ground.
Legends such as Kapil Dev, K Srikant, Mohammad Azharuddin, Dilip Vengsarkar, Vikram Rathore, Venkatesh Prasad, Ravi Shastri, Sanjay Manjrekar, Raju Kulkarni and Bharat Arun have played here in the past, contributing to its rich legacy.
This ground has nurtured several cricket luminaries, including the internationally acclaimed Rishi Dhawan, Shakti Singh (currently a BCCI match referee with numerous national records) and Anil Sen, the sole Ranji captain from Mandi district, alongside various Ranji players for the Himachal team.
Under the supervision of the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association, the district sports council and Mandi Cricket Association have initiated the development of three pitches at the Paddal Ground, overseen by pitch curator and former Ranji player Raj Kumar. Professional assistance from HPCA, Dharamshala, is involved, with soil specifically sourced from Bhiwani in Haryana.
The ongoing process involves the careful sieving of soil and excavation for developing high-end pitches, which will eventually be covered with special Bermuda grass. Adjacent to the ground, a net cage structure has been erected for player practice. A total of Rs 2.5 lakh has been invested in constructing four pitches here featuring two cemented one synthetic and turf each.
Jitender Singh Jamwal, Secretary of Mandi Cricket Association, highlighted that three professional pitches, located within a 40-metre radius, were being crafted in the historical Paddal Ground, with specially transported soil catering to both bowlers and batsmen. He commended the strong support from Deputy Commissioner Arindam Chowdhury, who heads the District Sports Council, and acknowledged the backing of senior players from the town, especially Anil Sen, presently a member of district sports council.
Shakti Singh, a cricket legend from the state, lauded the efforts of the district sports council, HPCA and Mandi Cricket Association, considering it a crucial step, which would open up opportunities for cricket tourism in the region. Rishi Dhawan emphasised the necessity of such facilities, stating that numerous aspiring players in the town had to relocate for professional cricket practice due to the absence of such pitches in their hometown.
