Saharanpur is set to receive a significant upgrade to its cricket infrastructure, with a new ground and pitch planned at Shekhpura that will be modelled on the standards of Lucknow's renowned Ekana Stadium. To get the process underway, BCCI-certified pitch curator Sanjeev Aggarwal of Lucknow's Ekana Stadium visited Saharanpur and carried out a detailed inspection of the Shekhpura ground to assess its suitability for development.
Site Has Ample Land for Pitch and Pavilion
After examining the location, Aggarwal confirmed that the land available at Shekhpura is sufficient to meet the requirements for a quality cricket pitch. He noted that the site offers enough space for a proper playing surface and also for developing the pavilion to a good standard. He expressed confidence that, if everything proceeds as planned, Saharanpur will soon have a quality cricket ground ready for use.
BCCI Standards Call for 7-9 and 11 Pitches
As per BCCI norms, the new ground will be equipped with 7-9 and 11 pitches, giving local players access to facilities that meet national-level requirements. Officials of the Saharanpur Cricket Association told TrendKia that over the past 10 to 12 years, cricket has grown in Saharanpur at a pace they believe is unmatched by any other district in the entire country. Several stadiums have already come up in the district, and this new ground will be yet another landmark addition to that growing list.
Board Trophy Matches on the Horizon
With the new facility in the pipeline, the Saharanpur Cricket Association expects it to attract Board Trophy matches once it is operational. The district has hosted Board Trophy games in previous years, and the upgraded BCCI-standard pitch is expected to bring more such national-level matches back to Saharanpur. Association officials are confident that the quality and frequency of high-level cricket events in the district will only increase with this addition.
Local Players No Longer Need to Train Elsewhere
Saharanpur's cricketers have already made their mark at the state level, in Under-19 competitions, and even in the IPL. Interest in cricket among the district's youth continues to grow rapidly. A key benefit of the improving local infrastructure has been that players no longer need to travel to other states to practice or prepare. The upcoming BCCI-compliant pitch and ground will further strengthen this trend, offering emerging talent a professional environment right at home. The Cricket Association is hopeful that it will not be long before Saharanpur players earn a place in the Indian national team.
