Floodwaters submerged the ground for 15 days, destroying the grass and damaging pitches and electrical equipment; restoration could take one to two months.
Lucknow: The recent flooding of the Gomti River has caused extensive damage to Sage Cricket Ground, an important centre for women’s cricket in Lucknow. After remaining submerged for nearly 15 days, the ground has lost its grass cover, while the cricket pitches and electrical equipment have also suffered damage. Sage Sports Management is now preparing to undertake extensive repairs and restoration, a process that could take one to two months.
The ground has hosted the Lucknow Women’s Premier League and training camps for women cricketers across different age groups organised by the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA). It has also played a significant role in promoting women’s cricket in the city.
During the Lucknow Women’s Premier League, CAA League Chairman and retired IAS officer Dr Navneet Sehgal had appreciated the facilities available at the venue. The ground was also used as a home venue by the Uttar Pradesh T20 League franchise Kanpur Superstars.
Two Years of Effort to Revive an Abandoned Ground
Sage Sports Management Managing Director Brijendra Yadav said the organisation took the ground on lease from the Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) in 2024. At the time, the facility had remained closed for nearly eight years and lacked basic cricket infrastructure.
Over the next two years, the management invested approximately ₹2 crore to develop the ground and make it suitable for competitive cricket and training.
The redevelopment included laying Selection-1 grass and rebuilding the old pitches with red soil. Two new black-soil pitches were also constructed. Other facilities included air-conditioned dressing rooms, portable side screens, floodlights for day-night matches and seating arrangements for spectators.
A dedicated pipeline system, a new tubewell and a booster pump were installed for irrigation. Practice facilities comprised 10 outdoor practice pitches and an indoor practice pitch. The complex also received a canteen, accommodation for ground staff, an office and a storeroom.
Grass and Pitches Need Complete Restoration
Yadav said the prolonged inundation had destroyed the ground’s grass cover, which would have to be laid again. The pitches would also require reconstruction to restore playing conditions.
Electrical infrastructure, including the diesel generator set and electrical panels, was damaged as well. Repairs to these installations and the restoration of other facilities will form part of the rebuilding process.
According to Sage Sports Management, the ground could take between one and two months to become operational again. The management is working to restore the facilities and make the venue available to players as soon as possible.
Management Determined to Reopen the Ground
Yadav said the flooding had dealt a major setback to a facility developed through two years of sustained effort, but the management remained determined to rebuild it.
“We will not give up. Efforts are underway to restore the ground, and our priority is to make it available to players again as soon as possible,” he said.
Once restoration is complete, Sage Cricket Ground is expected to resume its role as a venue for cricket training, women’s cricket development and competitive tournaments in Lucknow.
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