The love for cricket is undying, and the game only keeps garnering more viewership and more kids who want to become professional players. But the space for grounds has been shrinking steadily, given the rapid urbanization.
This was the problem.
People came up with a solution: turfs.
The Rise of the Cricket Turf Business in India
These artificial sports grounds are gaining popularity and are becoming the top choice for formats like box cricket, net practices, and mini-tournaments!
Why Are Turfs Becoming the Go-To Solution?
- Space-Efficient
Turfs require much less space than traditional grounds and are extremely flexible when it comes to their placement. They can be built on rooftops, in basements, or even on repurposed land.
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All-Weather, Low Maintenance
Turfs are the all-weather solution to keeping matches from being held up. No more game cancellations due to rain. Additionally, artificial turfs don’t need watering, mowing, or re-leveling. This makes them low-maintenance and ideal for year-round play.
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Flexible Formats
Whether it’s a 6-a-side match, academy training, or late-night corporate cricket leagues, turfs support diverse playing styles. With flexible packages and timings suited for all.
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A Business That Makes Sense
A well-placed cricket turf can generate revenue through hourly bookings, coaching programs, and tournament hosting.
Who’s Fueling the Turf Boom?
- Entrepreneurs spotting the gap between cricket demand and space availability.
- Ex-cricketers turning coaches and turf owners.
- Startups building tech platforms for turf bookings.
- Builders converting idle plots into profit-making play zones.
This demand isn’t limited to metros. In fact, tier-2 and tier-3 cities are increasingly witnessing a rise in turfs. This not only is profitable for business owners but gives an opportunity to budding players as well. The more the spaces to practice, the more skill development.
The Cost Involved
Setting up a cricket turf can cost anywhere from ₹200 to ₹400 per sqft, depending on the location, size, and quality. But with hourly rentals ranging from ₹1,000 to ₹3,000, many turf businesses break even within 12 to 18 months. Several turfs expand into franchise models, offering branding, equipment partnerships, and online booking solutions, making it easier for new investors to enter the game.
The Future of Cricket Turfs in India
- Tech-driven turfs: Cameras for recording, AI for shot analysis. It is like watching and analysing a live game, just in a miniature version.
- Community hubs: weekend leagues, women’s cricket, kids’ coaching camps. Turfs act as all-in-one spaces.
Cricket turfs are certainly here to stay and redefine India’s most favorite sport.
