REVOLUTIONISING CRICKET INFRASTRUCTURE: PIONEERING THE STANDARD FOR CRICKET PITCH DESIGN

Abstract

The quality of cricket pitches significantly impacts the game, with bounce being a crucial attribute influencing play. This study targets the enhancement of Nandipur soil, traditionally used for pitch construction in Pakistan, to achieve bounce characteristics comparable to high-performance Australian pitches. The technical approach began with detailed video analysis of Perth ground pitches and subsequent simulations using Simulink software to determine a key value (k value) relevant to soil performance. Guided by the k value, laboratory experiments were conducted to improve the soil using specific admixtures. Molasses and bentonite were selected for their potential to enhance soil properties. Through systematic experimentation, an optimal mix was developed, consisting of 74.42% Nandipur soil, 18.60% bentonite, and 6.98% molasses. The addition of these admixtures resulted in a significant increase in the liquid limit from 49.2 to 60.1 and the plastic limit from 22.6 to 28.1, with a corresponding rise in the plasticity index from 26.6 to 32. Additionally, the unconfined compressive strength more than doubled, increasing from 238.4 kPa to 497.6 kPa. Laboratory tests, which included preparing a soil model with dimensions of 1 by 1 foot and 8 inches in depth, simulating real pitch conditions, demonstrated a marked improvement in the bounce and stiffness of the treated Nandipur soil, with stiffness values increasing from 3.93 million (N/m²/m) to 5.3 million (N/m²/m). This study's findings suggest that targeted admixture applications can effectively modify local soil properties, aligning them with international cricket pitch standards and enhancing the overall playing experience. This thesis provides a detailed account of the methodology, experimental outcomes, and the technical basis for soil improvement techniques aimed at optimizing cricket pitch performance.