The Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA) has announced it will take steps to avoid a repeat of the poor playing conditions that marred a recent T20I match between India and New Zealand. The UPCA will appoint a pitch expert and a professional for the outfield at the Ekana Stadium, where the upcoming Indian Premier League 2023 is set to take place. The move comes after India's captain, Hardik Pandya, criticized the slow and spin-dominating pitch that resulted in just 200 runs being scored in close to 40 overs and not a single six being hit in both innings of the T20I.
The CEO of the UPCA, Ankit Chatterjee, stated that they are seeking permission from other state associations to hire the services of the two specialists. The UPCA is also replacing the current curator, Surendra Yadav, with a specialist from Gwalior, Sanjeev Agarwal, while the identity of the outfield expert is yet to be confirmed. Chatterjee emphasized that the UPCA wants the playing conditions to be top-notch for the IPL and to give the Lucknow Super Giants, the city's first home team in the league, a home advantage.
The IPL 2023 is scheduled to start on April 1, and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to return to the regular home and away format after three years of Covid-19-related disruptions. The UPCA's decision to appoint specialists and replace the curator demonstrates the importance of providing quality playing conditions for the players and fans alike, as well as the commitment of the association to make the IPL 2023 a successful event.