Former India opener and DDCA vice-president Chetan Chauhan made it clear that the state association will be preparing the tracks at the Feroz Shah Kotla ground "without any interference" from the Delhi Daredevils for its home matches in IPL-8.
Chauhan is supervising the Kotla strips being prepared by one of the youngest BCCI curators Ankit Datta and is eyeing to prepare a "firm strip with even bounce".
"The BCCI has clearly stated that there should be no interference from the franchises in regards to preparation of pitches. Obviously, if they want to suggest anything, they are welcome to do so but the state association will be independently preparing the track," Chauhan said.
Expressing his satisfaction with the playing strip Chauhan said, “If you look at the two T20 practice matches played by Daredevils at the Kotla, there has been 170 plus scores in both matches. So we will certainly prepare a track where batsman can play their shots. Also we will leave a little bit of grass as it helps to bind the surface and also will be instrumental in having a good carry," said the former opener.
Meanwhile, Daredevils will be paying the DDCA an amount of Rs 1.5 crore for five home matches at a rate of Rs 30 lakh per match, informed treasurer Ravinder Manchanda.
"The Daredevils has already paid an advance amount to DDCA as there are certain services that the state association needs to provide. In Rs 1.5 crore that they would be paying, around Rs 65-70 lakh approximately will be needed for rendering the services that they require, including the set up of hospitality areas and some other important aspects," said Manchanda.
Image: Delhi Daredevils players in action during a practice game
Photograph Courtesy: Delhi Daredevils
