In a landmark development for cricket in Jharkhand, Hazaribag's Sanjay Singh Cricket Stadium has officially received the prestigious approval from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to host domestic tournaments. This recognition transforms the previously neglected Wales Ground into a certified venue for national-level cricket competitions.
From Barren Ground to BCCI-Compliant Venue
The stadium's journey from a dilapidated state to a BCCI-approved facility represents one of the most remarkable transformations in Indian cricket infrastructure. Manish Jaiswal, Hazaribag MP and district cricket association president, described the BCCI's approval as a "golden chapter" in Hazaribag's cricketing history during a press conference.
Before 2017, the venue known as Wales Ground presented a challenging environment for players. The ground had only 25% grass coverage, with the remaining outfield consisting of sand and concrete. The uneven surface frequently caused injuries and bruises to players, while modern cricket facilities were completely absent.
Comprehensive Infrastructure Overhaul
The transformation began in 2017 when Jaiswal, then a legislator from the Hazaribag sadar seat, allocated Rs 25 lakh from his MLA development fund to initiate the stadium's revival. Following this initial investment, the Hazaribag District Cricket Association undertook extensive upgrades that completely revolutionized the facility.
The renovation included installation of professional turf wickets and relaying the entire outfield with durable Bermuda grass. A modern pavilion and two spectator galleries were constructed using Rs 1.10 crore from the state government. The facility now boasts fully furnished dressing rooms, official rooms, and storerooms.
To enable night cricket tournaments, the association installed four high-intensity floodlights at a cost of Rs 1.53 crore. The stadium currently features five turf wickets and three practice pitches, significantly enhancing training capabilities and match readiness for players.
BCCI Inspection and Future Plans
A BCCI inspection team conducted a detailed assessment of the venue on July 17 this year, following which they declared the stadium fit to host official BCCI domestic matches. This approval officially places Hazaribag on India's competitive cricket map.
The stadium will make its debut as a BCCI venue with the Cooch Behar Trophy match between Jharkhand and Kerala from December 8 to December 11. Comprehensive arrangements have been made for participating teams, including accommodation tie-ups with city hotels, two AC buses, SUVs, medical teams, doctors, and a high-tech ambulance for team support.
Looking ahead, the HDCA aims to achieve full compliance for hosting Ranji Trophy matches soon. Ambitious plans are underway to construct an indoor practice stadium, a high-performance gym, and astro-turf indoor pitches. Facilities for advanced recovery, physiotherapy, and skill development are also in the pipeline, positioning Hazaribag as a future hub for cricket excellence in Eastern India.
