Delhi Capitals To Invest In Upgradation of Arun Jaitley Stadium: Report

The joint initiative between DDCA and DC will reportedly witness an investment of approximately Rs 75 crore to refurbish the Arun Jaitley Stadium, situated at Feroz Shah Kotla in Delhi.

Sourav Ganguly, the director of cricket for DC, is said to be particularly enthusiastic about securing the stadium for IPL and international games. ( Image Source :PTI )

Delhi District Cricket Association (DDCA) and IPL team Delhi Capitals (DC) have forged an unprecedented alliance to revamp and maintain the iconic Arun Jaitley Stadium, marking a groundbreaking step in Indian cricket history. The collaboration between a franchise and the stadium marks the first time a team will undertake the responsibility of maintaining its home venue beyond the IPL season.

The joint initiative between DDCA and DC will witness an investment of approximately Rs 75 crore to refurbish the Arun Jaitley Stadium, situated at Feroz Shah Kotla in Delhi, according to a Times of India report. The senior executives of DC, led by co-owner Parth Jindal, recently held discussions with DDCA president Rohan Jaitley, and a consensus was reached for the Capitals to actively participate in the year-round maintenance of the facilities at the stadium.

Aiming to enhance the crowd experience during matches, the collaboration is geared towards addressing the previous complaints about stadium facilities. Drawing inspiration from football stadiums in Europe, which are often managed by corporations for their club teams, this strategic move will see Delhi Capitals utilizing the stadium beyond the IPL season. With the upcoming Women's Premier League to be played in the home-and-away format, the stadium will be in demand for a more extended period, elevating its significance for the Capitals.

Moreover, the new agreement comes as a significant boon for DDCA, as Delhi is slated to host matches during the prestigious ODI World Cup. In preparation for the marquee event, BCCI has allotted Rs 50 crore to DDCA for upgrading and enhancing the stadium infrastructure. As part of the renovation plan, two top-notch hospitality boxes will be set up, with the goal of establishing temporary boxes before the World Cup and completing the project by the subsequent IPL.

The significance of maintaining the Arun Jaitley Stadium lies in the fact that its pitches often become worn out by the time IPL commences, given the heavy volume of matches played on them. Additionally, with the Women's Premier League requiring access to the stadium for an extra two months, the workload on the venue increases. Sourav Ganguly, the director of cricket for DC, is said to be particularly enthusiastic about securing the stadium for IPL and international games.

The Kotla pitch is renowned for favoring spinners, but as the season progresses, it tends to become slow and sluggish. Since IPL games are often held towards the end of the Indian cricket season, the grounds in Delhi are usually fatigued, leading to low-scoring matches. To manage this situation and alleviate the pressure on the stadium, the Capitals management will closely coordinate with DDCA for future camps and matches, considering DDCA's lack of alternative venues for organizing cricket activities.

With this unprecedented collaboration between DDCA and DC, the Arun Jaitley Stadium is set to undergo significant transformations, not only for IPL matches but also for international games and the prestigious ODI World Cup. The combined efforts of both entities aim to provide an improved and enjoyable experience for fans and players alike, solidifying the stadium's position as a cricketing hub in the heart of Delhi.