Appreciation and Reward for Ground Staff Excellence in IPL 2024
In recognition of the exceptional contributions made by groundsmen and curators in ensuring the tournament's success, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary, Jay Shah, announced substantial rewards on Monday.
Unsung Heroes: Groundsmen and Curators
Shah acknowledged the crucial role played by these unsung heroes, whose tireless efforts resulted in top-notch pitches throughout the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season. He hailed their ability to maintain pitch quality even amidst challenging weather conditions.
Reward Details
As a token of appreciation, groundsmen and curators associated with the 10 regular IPL venues, including Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Chandigarh, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Lucknow, Ahmedabad, and Jaipur, will receive a generous sum of Rs 25 lakhs each. Additionally, those working at the three additional venues, namely Guwahati, Visakhapatnam, and Dharamsala, will be awarded Rs 10 lakhs each.
High-Scoring Season
IPL 2024 witnessed a plethora of high-scoring matches, with Sunrisers Hyderabad breaking the record for the highest team total twice. Their remarkable innings of 287 for three against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and 277 for three against Mumbai Indians showcased the exceptional quality of the pitches. The 250-run mark was surpassed an impressive eight times during the season.
Previous Recognition
Shah's commitment to recognizing the contributions of pitch curators and groundsmen is not new. In his previous role as president of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), he announced a cash reward of USD 50,000 for their counterparts in Sri Lanka during the Asia Cup. Following IPL 2022, he awarded Rs 1.25 crore to the curators and groundsmen of all six venues.
This latest gesture further underscores the BCCI's appreciation for the invaluable work done by these individuals, who play a pivotal role in ensuring the success and entertainment value of the IPL.
