A Tribute to the Ground Staff
Following the conclusion of the IPL2024, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Jay Shah took to social media to express gratitude towards the ground staff who played a crucial role in the tournament’s success. These unsung heroes worked tirelessly to provide excellent pitches despite challenging weather conditions.
Jay Shah’s Announcement
On Monday, Jay Shah announced a significant monetary reward for the ground staff, acknowledging their hard work and dedication. Firstly,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!” Shah wrote on X.
Kolkata Knight Riders’ Triumph in IPL 2024
The Final Showdown
After that,in the IPL2024 final on Sunday, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) delivered an all-round performance to secure their third IPL title and their first in ten years. They defeated Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) by eight wickets at Chennai’s Chepauk Stadium. Key contributions came from Mitchell Starc and Andre Russell with the ball, and Venkatesh Iyer with a half-century.
SRH’s Struggle
Secondly,Sunrisers Hyderabad, known for their explosive batting and high run rates, struggled against KKR’s disciplined bowling attack. The opening pair of Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma had been a major force throughout the tournament, but they couldn’t replicate their success in the final.
Starc vs. Cummins: The Big Buys Battle
In a battle of two high-profile acquisitions, it was KKR’s Mitchell Starc (24.75 crores) who outshone SRH’s Pat Cummins (20.5 crores). Starc’s exceptional bowling justified his hefty price tag and played a pivotal role in KKR’s victory.
Match Summary
SRH’s Batting Collapse
Furthermore,winning the toss and electing to bat first, SRH faced a severe batting collapse. KKR’s bowlers struck early and consistently, with Mitchell Starc leading the charge. Only Pat Cummins (24 runs off 19 balls) and Aiden Markram (20 runs off 23 balls) managed to cross the 20-run mark. SRH was bundled out for a meager 113 runs in 18.3 overs.
KKR’s Bowling Performance
Thirdly,Andre Russell was the standout bowler for KKR, taking 3 wickets for 19 runs. Starc (2/14) and Harshit Rana (2/24) also contributed significantly, while Sunil Narine, Varun Chakravarthy, and Vaibhav Arora chipped in with one wicket each.
KKR’s Dominant Run Chase
KKR chased down the target of 114 runs in just 10.3 overs with eight wickets in hand. Venkatesh Iyer led the charge with an unbeaten 52 off 26 balls, featuring four boundaries and three sixes. Rahmanullah Gurbaz supported him with a solid 39 runs off 32 balls, including five fours and two sixes.
Celebrating the Ground Staff
The Real MVPs
The IPL’s smooth execution owes much to the often-overlooked ground staff. Their ability to maintain high-quality pitches under varying and sometimes adverse weather conditions ensures that matches are played fairly and safely.
Jay Shah’s Recognition
Last but not least,Jay Shah’s announcement of a monetary reward for the ground staff underscores the BCCI’s recognition of their invaluable contribution. The groundsmen and curators at the 10 regular IPL venues will receive INR 25 lakhs each, while those at the 3 additional venues will get INR 10 lakhs each. This gesture not only rewards their hard work but also highlights the importance of their role in the success of the IPL.
The IPL2024 season concluded with Kolkata Knight Riders claiming their third title, but the true unsung heroes of the tournament were the ground staff. Furthermore,Jay Shah’s announcement of financial rewards for these dedicated individuals serves as a fitting tribute to their hard work and dedication. After that,as we celebrate the thrilling matches and stellar performances, it’s essential to acknowledge the behind-the-scenes efforts that make such a spectacular event possible. The BCCI’s gesture of gratitude ensures that these contributions are not forgotten and sets a precedent for recognizing the vital roles played by all members of the cricketing community.
