'Maalis' have become curators now and that is the system's biggest achievement: Daljit

Curator Daljit Singh has retired as a happy man after 22 years of service to Indian cricket. They are no longer seen as "maalis" and are getting due respect, a change that pleases him the most.

Daljit, a former first-class cricketer, may not be involved in the BCCI's pitch committee anymore but it is still difficult to keep him away from the 22- yard strip.

He continues to head the Punjab Cricket Association pitch committee and is overseeing preparations for the second T20 International between India and South Africa here on Wednesday. It is hot and humid even for the players but it doesn't bother Daljit one bit.

"I still exercise. I got to if I have to stand under the sun," said Daljit who resigned as BCCI's chief curator earlier this month.

Former PCA and BCCI president I S Bindra handpicked him to produce the fastest pitch in India at Mohali back in 1993 and in another four years, Daljit became part of BCCI's first pitch committee in 1997.

"Needless to say Indian cricket has come a long way including the job of a curator. Back in the day groundsmen were merely seen as 'maalis' who didn't even get paid but now we have a system in place which produces certified curators (since 2012).

"Like umpires, curators are also posted now," he said, referring to BCCI's four-level certification course which groundsmen have to pass to become curators.

As of now, around 100 BCCI certified curators are working across the country.

"It is a big number. I leave behind a settled system. The credit must go to the board also. BCCI in many ways was a trend-setter, it gave us the best possible resources to prepare good pitches. The likes of Bindra, Jagmohan Dalmiya and Sharad Pawar listened to us."
"The home team takes interest and there is nothing wrong in that. It is like that all over the world. Curator must realise there is a match referee. If you go overboard, you could get a poor rating. There must be a balance between bat and ball."
"Having said that, like you and me, pitches also age. It also depends a lot on what time of the year you are conducting the game, the pitch will behave accordingly. This time in North, Ranji Trophy will be played in December and I expect the fast bowlers to have a good time."