Top 3 Cricket stadiums in India with better drainage system

The India versus New Zealand first test was a rain-affected test match that marked the brilliance of the groundsmen of the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA).

Bengaluru had an ongoing orange alert during the test. The local weather forecaster had earlier predicted that there are high chances of at least two days getting washed away due rain. But in the end, it was just the opening day of the test, and some puss in between that happened solely because of the shower but not clogging.

In a game, there will be a winner and a loser, but amidst the match results, Chinnaswamy stands tall as the undisputed winner for conducting the match swiftly with its world-class drainage system in hand.

Here are the top 3 cricket stadiums in India and their drainage systems.

Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA)- SubAir drainage system

The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) undoubtedly tops the list when it comes to its drainage system. The state has implemented the innovative SubAir subsurface aeration and vacuum-powered drainage system at M Chinnaswamy Stadium, which drastically improves water management on the field.

This advanced system works 36 times faster than traditional drainage methods and is capable of draining up to 10,000 liters of water per minute. Therefore, normal play can resume within just 15-20 minutes after rainfall.

The installation cost of the SubAir drainage system is around ₹4.25 crore. It has an intricate network of perforated tubes and pipes that efficiently evacuate water to a nearby tank, which can also be used to maintain soil moisture during dry seasons. The system incorporates wireless sensors to monitor soil moisture and temperature, enabling precise irrigation and aeration of the grass.

Pitch curator Jacintha Kalyan brought this facility to the stadium thinking about the clogged water, especially on the outfield, that will hinder play. Kalyan's renovation plan has impressed ICC officials, showcasing M Chinnaswamy Stadium, making it a flagbearer when it comes to cricket infrastructure.

Apart from Chinnaswami, the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala has also installed this SubAir drainage system in 2023.

Eden Gardens

Eden Gardens got the reward of being the best stadium conducting the World Cup matches in 2023. There may be some controversies regarding fan management, but when it comes to managing the field and other field-related issues, Eden Gardens is an undaunted opponent.

Coming to the drainage system, Eden Gardens, the second largest stadium in India (50 acres) in terms of area, is the only stadium in the country that can cover the entire field, including the pitch, without letting a single raindrop sip in.

This innovation, led by Sourav Ganguly during his tenure at the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB), ensures that matches resume quickly after rain delays, minimizing water damage. The lightweight, translucent covers allow sunlight to pass through, preventing the grass from drying out or changing color.

Sunil Gavaskar once praised Eden Gardens' system, urging other cricket boards, like South Africa's, to adopt similar practices, while several matches got cancelled in the 2019 World Cup due to rain.

Mullanpur Stadium-Herringbone drainage system

A comparablely younger stadium, the Mullanpur Stadium features a sophisticated herringbone drainage system. This allows for rapid water removal within 25–30 minutes after rainfall. Unlike traditional soil, the stadium's ground is made of sand, making it tougher to manage. However, the management ensured that they maintained it well, giving it excellent stability.

The herringbone drainage system consists of a network of pipes arranged in a fishbone pattern, designed to efficiently channel excess water. A main drain pipe is installed on a downward slope, with smaller lateral pipes branching off at angles to collect water from multiple directions. This design ensures effective drainage, preventing waterlogging even during heavy rainfall.

Typically, the herringbone drainage pipes are buried 300-600 mm deep, although this depth may vary based on waterlogging severity and soil type. In sandy or loose soil, pipes may need to be installed deeper, while in heavy clay soil, they can be placed slightly higher for optimal drainage.

This advanced drainage system not only enhances the stadium's functionality but also ensures that the playing surface remains in top condition, facilitating seamless matches and events throughout the year.