Udaipur has recently marked a significant milestone in the world of sports with the inauguration of the state's third and the region's premier international-level floodlit cricket ground at Shikarbadi. This state-of-the-art facility, equipped with four towering floodlight installations standing at 35 meters each, is set to host day-night matches, raising the bar for cricket in the region. Each tower have 18 powerful LED lights, each with a capacity of 1,000 watts, ensuring optimal visibility during matches.

Renowned figure Dr. Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar, former member of the royal family of Mewar and two-time president of the Udaipur District Cricket Association, spearheaded the initiative. The ground, meticulously designed to international standards, will not only accommodate Ranji Trophy matches but also cater to international-level cricket competitions.

A key feature of the facility is the renovation of the outfield, aligning it with global cricket standards. This sets Udaipur apart, with floodlit cricket grounds previously existing only in Jaipur and Jodhpur.

Dr. Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar expressed his commitment to nurturing local cricket talent by providing a platform for players from the Lake City to showcase their skills at an international level. He emphasized the importance of establishing such facilities after previous attempts faced hurdles, with allocated lands in Khelgaon and Kanpur Gaon not materializing into cricket grounds.

Cricket coach Manoj Chaudhary revealed that the newly inaugurated ground features 12 pitches, including one composed of black soil. Notably, this mirrors the pitch diversity found only at the Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium in Ahmedabad. Additionally, the hunting ground houses separate nets with eight wickets, facilitating player practice.

Dr. Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar highlighted the ground's potential in propelling Udaipur's cricketing talents onto the global stage. The facility has already attracted cricketers from across the country and abroad, contributing to player development through shared experiences and coaching.

Under the Sports Exchange program, international cricketers from England, Australia and America have visited the Udaipur cricket academy. Dr. Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar anticipates hosting major events in the future, further elevating Udaipur's status as a hub for cricketing excellence.

Source: Dainik Bhaskar