Cricket

BCCI Rewards Groundsmen and Curators for Exceptional IPL PitchesThe Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has recognized the invaluable contributions of groundsmen and curators during the recently concluded Indian Premier League (IPL) season. In a gesture of appreciation, BCCI Secretary Jay Shah announced that each of the 10 regular IPL venue groundsmen and curators will receive a sum of Rs 25 lakh. Additionally, groundsmen and curators at the three additional venues will be awarded Rs 10 lakh each.Shah hailed the ground staff as "unsung heroes" for their tireless efforts in preparing and maintaining "brilliant pitches" throughout the tournament, despite challenging weather conditions. He emphasized that their dedication and hard work played a crucial role in the success of the IPL season.The 10 regular IPL venues include Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Chandigarh, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Lucknow, Ahmedabad, and Jaipur. The additional venues this year were Guwahati, Visakhapatnam, and Dharamsala.This year's IPL witnessed a remarkable trend of high-scoring matches, with the 250-run mark being crossed eight times. The peak team total record was shattered twice during the season.Shah also extended his congratulations to the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for their third IPL title triumph. He praised the team's consistency and the leadership of captain Shreyas Iyer.The BCCI's recognition of the groundsmen and curators highlights the importance of their contributions to the sport. Their expertise and dedication ensure that players can perform at their best and fans can enjoy high-quality cricket matches.