By Syed Intikhab Ali
Karachi: A giant digital screen is being installed at Justice Asghar Ali Shah cricket stadium for the 22nd Dr. Muhammad Ali Shah T20 Ramadan Festival.
It is the first time that a digital SMD screen is being installed at a privately-run stadium in the country, Scoreline website learnt.
As many as 16 recognized cricket teams from across the country will participate in the event.
Dr. Junaid Ali Shah, the son of late Dr M A Shah, told Scoreline.com that the main difference from the past will be the big screen which has not been used in local cricket in Pakistan.
He said that the 15×10 feet digital screen has been imported from China.
He said that this time not only participants are being rewarded but also the spectators, including families, that will come to witness the matches.
They will get prizes through balloting. Separate stands for families have been established in the stadium.
The procedure of the balloting will be announced on May 19 at the stadium.
Dr. Junaid Ali Shah has already announced that special prizes would be given to those who hit maximum sixes and boundaries.
He took this decision to boost hard-hitting ability of Pakistani cricketers at the grassroots level as Pakistan has been suffering due to slow batting at international level.
Pakistan coach Mickey Arthur has said the national team is still playing in the style of 1990s when scoring 250-300 was considered enough to win a one-day match.
Dr. Junaid said that five wickets, which will be fast tracks, have been prepared and American grass has been used in the field. He said Pakistan’s most famous sand used for preparing wicket has been brought from Nandipur.
He said that cricket equipment, including bats, would be included in the prizes for spectators.