IPL 2024: Jay Shah announces cash reward for groundsmen and curators

Hyderabad Pitch. (Photo Source: X(Twitter)

While superstar players and champion teams take most of the limelight in a tournament like the Indian Premier League (IPL), the honorary secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Jay Shah has ensured that the groundsmen and curators get their dues for their hard work and determination.

The 17th edition of the cash-rich league faced numerous logistical and operational challenges. In addition to the regular 10 venues, three additional stadiums had to be prepared to accommodate the expanded 10-team tournament. Unpredictable weather conditions in different parts of the country made pitch preparation a tedious task.

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Thank you for your dedication and hard work: Jay Shah

Through it all, the unsung heroes were the dedicated groundsmen and curators at all 13 venues. They worked tirelessly in the scorching summer heat and unseasonal rains to deliver pitches of the highest quality for IPL’s high-intensity clashes. Shah acknowledged their contribution behind the scenes.

“The unsung heroes of our successful T20 season are the incredible ground staff who worked tirelessly to provide brilliant pitches, even in difficult weather conditions. As a token of our appreciation, the groundsmen and curators at the 10 regular IPL venues will receive INR 25 lakhs each, and the same at the 3 additional venues will get INR 10 lakhs each. Thank you for your dedication and hard work!” Shah wrote on his X handle.

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After a hard-fought two months of cricketing action, the league finally found its winner. At the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Sunday, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) won their third IPL title after defeating Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) by eight wickets and 57 balls to spare in the summit clash. Also, the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad was honored with the ‘Pitch and Ground Award’ along with a INR 50 lakh prize during the award ceremony.