It was a heroic effort by the 100-strong groundstaff in Colombo, who worked against the odds to make sure the crucial India-Pakistan cricket match in the Asia Cup was not washed out by the incessant rains and harsh weather. The man who led this remarkable operation was Godfrey Dabare, the national curator of Sri Lanka Cricket. He was instrumental in planning and executing the strategies that enabled the match to proceed despite the difficulties.
The challenge began with the anticipation of bad weather during the tournament. Dabare foresaw this and took the initiative to hire 50 more workers, doubling his team of 60 experienced groundstaff. This proved to be a wise decision as Colombo faced heavy downpours in the last two weeks.
The ground staff’s daily routine started when the sun was out and the sky was clear. They removed the soaked covers from the ground and let them dry. However, they had to be alert and agile as the weather changed quickly. By noon, dark clouds gathered over the R Premadasa Stadium, and they covered the entire outfield to shield it from the rain.
What made this groundstaff special was their skill in handling the covers manually, without depending on super soppers, which are usually used to clear water from cricket fields. Even the spectators were confused by the covers going on and off.
The ground staff’s commitment was admirable. They worked non-stop to prepare the ground for play, even after heavy rains, and they were willing to work extra hours to complete their task. Their dedication was visible as they moved the covers fast and smoothly, always watching the sky and wind patterns to anticipate changes in the weather.
Their efforts were rewarded as they managed to resume the match on Monday afternoon after heavy rains in the morning. Both teams were happy with the ground conditions, showing that the ground staff had successfully overcome adversity.
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