NEW DELHI: The familiar crack of bat on ball was replaced by the loud hum of JCBs, lifters and loaders at the iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium for nearly eight months.

Instead, the venue echoed with heavy machinery as Chepauk underwent a massive overhaul that has now produced a pristine outfield and a state-of-the-art drainage system, just in time for the ICC T20 World Cup.

So, what prompted the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) to take up such an extensive and time-consuming project with a global event looming?

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"See, the last time we did this outfield was I think in 2011, so it has been quite some time. So, this whole exercise has taken us some 8 months starting from June (2025)," TNCA secretary U Bhagwandas Rao told PTI.

“We excavated all the soil, removed all the old pipes. So, it is filled with gravel, river sand, and then the actual grass that you see," he added.

Drainage revamp gets top priority

Along with relaying the outfield and carrying out routine maintenance, Rao said the complete upgrade of the drainage system was a key focus area.

“In between all that, we have changed and completely upgraded the entire drainage system for the stadium, including the motors, the sprinkler systems, the drainage flow out of the stadium…all that has been changed.

"So, that has taken us around seven months and then we finished it off with the synthetic running track. So, that is completed, but the wickets have not changed, all old 9 pitches apart from the routine yearly maintenance," he detailed.

Rao also pointed out that the heavy rains towards the end of last year played a crucial role in testing the new system.

"The drainage is exceptional. We did not expect it to be so good. The November rains also helped us a lot. You know, nothing like natural testing of all these facilities. It actually kind of accelerated the growth of the grass after planting. I think that helped a lot — the two weeks of heavy rains that we had,” he noted.

Rao said the International Cricket Council (ICC) carried out a detailed inspection before giving its approval.

“See, the ICC, when they came, they said it was exceptional. They did not have a problem. All of them liked the stadium and the facility.

“The infrastructure like pavilion, gates, the exits, other common areas…year. All that has been completely redeveloped in the last 4-5 years. Of course, Hari (Harihara, the TNCA spokesperson), has been efficient in his coordination, making our job that much easier,” he said.

District infrastructure and a wider vision

Rao said the work at Chepauk has also allowed TNCA to shift greater focus towards developing infrastructure at district venues, many of which now regularly host Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) matches.

“This work actually started three years back when the previous administration took over. I think one of the primary goals or the vision was to develop infrastructure in districts. They should not keep coming back to Chennai because the bulk of the talent is originating from the districts.

“So, the plan was to have these satellite centers which have practice facilities, nets and full residential quarters. So, we have one in Tirupur, in Salem, in Coimbatore and in Theni. We have chambers in Natham (Dindigul).

“They all have come out exceptionally well. So, all our state teams whenever they play board games, we stay at our own facilities. It has also helped the women's cricketers. You know this residential thing is much better for them, as it’s safer for them. Now, many parents too have told us that they feel mentally very comfortable,” he added.

Rao also made it clear that TNCA is open to extending these facilities to players from other states and even overseas.

“So much care has been given to all these facilities, the outside state associations now have come and seen these facilities, including MCA. Mumbai wants to use the facility whenever they have the monsoons for two months there.

“I am told that some of the foreign boards also want to come and play here. So, the idea is that these are not only for ours, but we want to provide these facilities for as many talents as possible. But the (TNCA) Center of Excellence will be very much in Chennai and all report into the TNCA Academy,” he detailed.

(With PTI Inputs)