In a significant move to honor the hard work and dedication of the pitch curators and groundstaff, the Secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Jay Shah, announced a substantial prize money allocation for the individuals behind the scenes of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. Jay Shah’s recent announcement comes as an appreciative gesture towards the tireless ground staff who have played an instrumental role in the smooth execution and high-octane action of IPL 2024.
The announcement delineates the disbursement of Rs 25 lakh for the core curators and groundstaff members operating across the 10 main IPL venues. Additionally, an amount of Rs 10 lakh has been earmarked for those working at venues that hosted only a handful of matches this season. Shah made this declaration public through a tweet, in which he referred to the curators and groundstaff as the ‘unsung heroes’ of the IPL, lauding their relentless efforts in maintaining the pitches and ensuring optimal playing conditions throughout the tournament.
“The unsung heroes of our successful T20 season are the incredible ground staff who worked tirelessly to provide brilliant pitches, even in difficult weather conditions. As a token of our appreciation, the groundsmen and curators at the 10 regular IPL venues will receive INR 25 lakhs each, and the same at the 3 additional venues will get INR 10 lakhs each. Thank you for your dedication and hard work! @IPL @BCCI,” Jay Shah expressed in his tweet.
This year’s IPL season truly showcased the prowess of the ground staff, coping with challenging weather conditions and yet delivering pitches that supported a high-scoring extravaganza. The sheer number of high-scoring matches was beyond precedent, with the 200-run mark being surpassed an astonishing 37 times in the competition. The season saw some historic records, including Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) posting a monumental 287 runs in their 20 overs, and Punjab Kings achieving the highest successful chase in the history of the tournament by scoring 262 runs against the eventual champions, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).
The KKR vs SRH IPL 2024 final was memorable for breaking a 14-year-old record in the tournament. In terms of performances, notable mentions include KKR’s skipper Shreyas Iyer, who recreated Lionel Messi’s iconic FIFA World Cup celebration after leading his team to triumph. On the other side, the owner of SRH, Kavya Maran, was seen holding back tears as she applauded KKR’s dominant performance.
.
Despite the high-scoring nature of the regular season, the playoffs, including the final, saw a dip in runs. None of the teams in the playoff matches managed to breach the 200-run threshold. The final itself turned out to be a rather one-sided affair, with SRH managing only 113 runs after electing to bat first. KKR chased down the modest target effortlessly, securing victory in just 10.3 overs with eight wickets in hand.
As this announcement sends ripples of appreciation across the cricket fraternity, it is clear that the BCCI’s decision to recognize the ground staff’s contribution has garnered widespread admiration. The job of a groundsman or curator often goes unnoticed, yet their role is pivotal in the execution of a successful and entertaining cricket tournament. From ensuring the pitch offers a balanced contest between bat and ball to managing adverse weather conditions, their expertise is invaluable.
This initiative by the BCCI could set a precedent for other cricketing nations to follow, highlighting the importance of every individual’s effort in delivering a seamless sporting event. The ground staff’s meticulous work and commitment to excellence significantly contributed to the memorable, record-breaking moments witnessed during IPL 2024.
In conclusion, Jay Shah’s announcement serves as a beacon of appreciation and respect for the ground staff and curators who are the backbone of any cricketing endeavor. Their tireless efforts have not only maintained the high standards of the IPL but have also ensured that the spirit of cricket thrives through every match played. As the IPL 2024 wraps up, the recognition of these ‘unsung heroes’ is a testament to their vital role in the world of cricket.
