Dharamsala is due to host the third Test match from March 1-5.
However, the venue is racing against time to be match ready after the recent renovation, The Indian Express reported on Friday (February 10).
As per the report, the BCCI’s inspection team, including the curator, is set to examine the venue on Sunday (February 12). Subsequently, a final decision will be taken as there are concerns regarding the outfield and the side area of the pitch.
With almost three weeks to go, the HPCA is hopeful that they might be able to ready the ground just in time.
“There is still some work that needs to be done near the side area of the pitch. We are hopeful that things will be ready before the game. The HPCA will take a call after the BCCI inspection. We have relaid the whole surface with proper drainage and have added sprinklers to the ground. Some work is still pending and as three weeks are left we feel the work will be completed,” a source in HPCA was quoted as saying in the report.
According to ESPNCricinfo, the BCCI has identified Visakhapatnam, Rajkot, Pune and Indore as the four backup venues in case Dharamsala is not considered fit to stage the match by the inspection team.
The Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium last hosted an international match in February 2022 when India took on Sri Lanka in two T20Is at the venue.
While the HPCA decided to relay the outfield and fit a new drainage system thereafter, it is learnt that the former is still not completely ready as there are bald patches on the ground.