Pakistan inaugurates its first AstroTurf Stadium in Balochistan

Pakistan is currently going through a difficult phase as far as cricket in the war-stricken country is concerned. It’s because of the political tensions. However, the management is trying their hearts out to bring cricket back in the nation and also work on the development of the sport. Back in June, it was learned that Pakistan was set to get its first AstroTurf Stadium at Chaman in Balochistan.

In the meantime, the country’s first such stadium has been inaugurated today. Southern Command Commander Lt Gen Asim Saleem Bajwa inaugurated the stadium by playing a stroke and then handed the proceedings over to the cricket association. While addressing the ceremony, Bajwa also said that Balochistan has started to progress and famous cricketers would visit the stadium in the future.

“Peace is visible everywhere. Wherever we go, people ask for good educational institutes and roads. The armed forces of Pakistan have worked for peace and development everywhere”, Bajwa was quoted as saying in Pakistan Today.

A new innovation altogether

A friendly match has already been played at the venue between Chaman XI and Qila Abdullah XI. A pitch is in the middle with as many as three stands for the audience. The stadium is also set to host local cricket matches.

The AstroTurf is a brand of an artificial playing surface. A short-pile synthetic turf was used as an initial product. However, since the 2000’s, the brand has introduced systems that use infill materials in order to replicate natural grass.

The turfs are used to save the cost of laying and ground maintenance. It’s also used to maximise the hours of usage. Apart from the AstroTurf, the country is also set to introduce’s it’s biggest cricket stadium by the name of Rafi Cricket Stadium.

The Pakistan cricket team is currently playing a three-match Test series against New Zealand. The first match is underway at Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

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