The construction of first-ever international standard cricket ground resumed this year after two years of halt. The construction, which began in 2016, was kept on halt in absence of clay soil in the country.
The clay soil is required for construction of main cricket pitch ground. Since the import of the clay soil is not permitted in the country, getting the import permit delayed the project.
But now with the import of clay soil from Guwahati in India, the ground construction resumed in May this year.
“There are certain changes we have made especially when it comes to the outfield of the ground for drainage system because the ground is located in rainfall prone zone. So we have to make sure we have a good drainage system. Before it was with topsoil and now we are making with sand top and are going to grow grass,” Damber Singh Gurung, the Chief Executive Officer of Bhutan Cricket Council Board (BCCB), said.
He also said they requested the thromde office to permit them to come up with bore well as they require more water. With proper facilities, it is expected to bring a positive impact on the overall development of the sport.
“What the players need is infrastructure, good facilities, good coaches right now. They have the ability to perform and do well at international level too,” Damber Singh Gurung added.
The cricket ground is being constructed in an area of 3.8 acres at Tashiling demkhong under Gelegphu Thromde. It is expected to complete by the end of this year.
There are also plans to construct another Internation Cricket ground either in Thimphu or Paro to host International Cricket tournaments in Bhutan.