IPL 2022: CCI groundsmen worked across shifts to ensure smooth running of shifted DC v PBKS match

CCI groundsmen after the Delhi v Punjab match. Pic/Subodh Mayure

The BCCI's decision to shift Wednesday's Delhi Capitals (DC) versus Punjab Kings (PBKS) encounter from Pune to Mumbai's Brabourne Stadium as a precautionary measure, threw up a testing time for players of both teams. At the heart of their concerns was DC's all-rounder Mitchell Marsh, wicketkeeper Tim Seifert and four support staff members testing positive for COVID.

However, just like the players, it was a challenge for the Cricket Club of India's (CCI) groundsmen as they needed to prepare the pitch within 24 hours. It is learnt that when CCI curator Prakash Adhav and his team of 25 groundsmen were informed about the game, they started work by watering the pitch at around 12 noon on Tuesday and later mowed the grass. They worked on getting the ground ready till midnight. After some rest, they resumed work on Wednesday morning to put the final touches on the pitch for the evening's game, which Delhi's Rishabh Pant & Co won by nine wickets with 57 balls to spare.