The official neglect and the paucity of funds has ensured that the international Sher-i-Kasmir cricket stadium lies in shambles, reports Itifaq Lone
“Till 2007 the ground was under the occupation of CRPF so funds for the stadium were not released. Now the process remains the same because of 2011 scam. In between 2007-2011, the construction and development of stadium started but was later stopped due to shortage of funds,” said one officer, wishing not to be named. He said the financial crunch hampered its development.
The Sheri-Kashmir cricket stadium where two international cricket matches were played in the past lies in ruins due to shortage of funds after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has withheld the funding following the multi-crore cricket scam which surfaced 2-years ago involving top political and influential persons.
The government has stopped the funds for its development, although the stadium is the only ground of international standard among fewer stadiums of India. But it lacks presently all the requirements of playing field.
The stadium has witnessed further damage after it was used for the mega political rally of prime minster, Narendra Modi in December 2015.
The stadium surrounded by the famous Chinar trees has dilapidated buildings and damaged pavilions. The government has neither carried out any renovation and has not even developed the infrastructure. Only 8 groundsmen and one Curator have been deployed by the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) for the upkeep of the stadium.
“The 2011 JKCA scam is the biggest hindrance in its development. No funds are released now,” says Ishtiyaq Ahmad Khan, cricket ground curator.
The stadium which otherwise should have been abuzz with the sports activities of youth has been used for the political programmes by the successive governments.
“During the visit of PM Modi in December last year to Kashmir, the ground was badly damaged by digging its infield and outfield. Still the holes are not filled and no renovation took place for want of funds,” said the officials.
JKCA has estimated around Rs 22 lakh damage to the infrastructure of stadium and had sought the help from Prime minister’s office. “But not a single penny was granted to repair the ground. More than 600 holes were made in the ground to make a tunnel for PM Modi to walk through,” the officials revealed.
Hoping that someday the ground may get chance to host any international cricket match again, its disrepair and official neglect has upset its caretakers.
“Although we are doing our best to retain its glory, it is all upto the higher authorities to bring it par with the other international cricket stadiums of the country.”
They said the stadium seems to have lost its worth for cricket as every political function is organized here. “Ever since the cricket scam surfaced here, we are just following the daily routine.”
Established in 1957’s, the ground hosted the first international cricket game on October 13, 1983, between India and West indies. India batted first, but the match was affected due to the protests by Kashmiris digging the pitch during the lunch interval.
When match was resumed rain and dust storms affected the play, and India scored 176 all out.
West Indies scored 108 for no loss in 22.4 overs before rain ended play, and West Indies were declared winners as the revised target was 81 in 22 overs. Desmond Haynes (West Indies), who scored 55 not out, was named Man of the Match.
The second and last international game was played at the ground in September 1986 between India and Australia. India batted first, and a superb 52 off 56 balls by Sunil Gavaskar helped India score 222 runs for 8.
The Australia responded and achieved the target with 3 wickets in hand and 6 balls to go. Allan Border scored 90 not out off 106 balls and was named Man of the Match. Spectators cheered India’s defeat and chanted slogans “Pakistan Zindabad”.
Following this the stadium remained out of bounds for international cricket and with the onset of insurgency in valley in 1990’s the Stadium was occupied by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) for 18 years. The entire infrastructure has been turned into garrison and making it no entry zone for the cricket lovers. 
When in 2007 CRPF vacated the stadium and left it for the use of sports activities it had broken windows, smashed glasses with gun fires. During this time no maintenance of other infrastructure had taken place.
After JKCA partially repaired the damaged infrastructure, the first class cricket resumed here in 2009. “Till 2007 the ground was under the occupation of CRPF so funds for the stadium were not released. Now the process remains the same because of 2011 scam. In between 2007-2011, the construction and development of stadium started but was later stopped due to shortage of funds,” said one officer, wishing not to be named. He said the financial crunch hampered its development.
The ground has 60/100 feet area, 75 meters boundary line, 80/80 feet diameter and a crowd capacity of 15 thousand people. The crowd space of the stadium had also shrunk and officials attribute it to the neglect by the government.
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The story first appeared in print edition of April 20, 2016
