The Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, also known as the Dharamsala Cricket Stadium, is a picturesque stadium located in Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh, India. It is situated at an altitude of 1,457 meters above sea level and is surrounded by the majestic Dhauladhar mountain range.
The stadium has a seating capacity of 23,000 spectators and is known for its scenic beauty and cool climate. The pitch at the stadium is known to be bouncy and fast, which makes it a favorite among fast bowlers.
The stadium has hosted several international matches, including the 2016 ICC World Twenty20 tournament, where it hosted six matches, including India vs Pakistan group stage match. In addition, the stadium has hosted several Indian Premier League (IPL) matches, including the home matches of the Kings XI Punjab franchise.
Also Read: IPL Schedule 2023 – Time Table, Fixtures, Venues, Team-wise Captains
Apart from cricket, the stadium has also hosted other sporting events such as the Hero Indian Super League football matches and the Himachal Pradesh Olympic Games.
The Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium is also known for being an eco-friendly stadium, as it uses solar energy for its power requirements and has a rainwater harvesting system in place. The stadium has won several awards for its eco-friendly initiatives and its efforts toward promoting sustainable tourism.
History of Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium
The Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium was established in 2003 and was inaugurated by the then Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Shri Virbhadra Singh. The stadium was built at a cost of approximately 70 crore rupees and took three years to complete.
Also Read: History of Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
Initially, the stadium had a seating capacity of 16,000 spectators, which was later increased to 23,000. The stadium has hosted several international matches, including the first-ever international match played in Himachal Pradesh between India and England in 2013.
Notable Cricketing Moments
Some of the notable cricketing moments at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium are:
- Virat Kohli’s Record-breaking Knock: In 2017, Virat Kohli scored a breathtaking century against Australia in a Test match at the stadium. Kohli scored 153 runs, which is the highest score by an Indian captain in a Test match. India went on to win the match by 8 wickets.
- India vs South Africa T20I Series: The Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium hosted the first T20I match between India and South Africa in 2015. The match was a high-scoring affair, with India winning by 7 wickets.
- Kings XI Punjab’s Home Matches: The Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium has been the home ground of the Kings XI Punjab franchise in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The stadium has witnessed some thrilling matches, with the Kings XI Punjab winning several matches in front of their home crowd.
- World Cup Matches: The stadium has hosted several matches during the 2016 ICC World Twenty20 tournament, including India vs Pakistan group stage match, which was a high-voltage encounter.
Also Read: History of Eden Gardens Cricket Stadium, Kolkata
Facilities at Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium
The Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium is one of the most picturesque cricket stadiums in India, located at the foothills of the Himalayas. The stadium has state-of-the-art facilities, including:
- 23,000 seating capacity with comfortable bucket seats and VIP boxes.
- Four dressing rooms with modern facilities for players and umpires.
- Practice nets and a fully equipped gymnasium.
- A media center with facilities for television commentary and live broadcasts.
- A restaurant and several food stalls serve a variety of cuisines.
- Ample parking space for spectators.
- Eco-friendly features like rainwater harvesting, solar panels, and a sewage treatment plant.
Tourist Attractions near Dharamsala Stadium
Dharamsala, the location of the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, is a popular tourist destination in India, famous for its natural beauty and spiritual centers. Some of the popular tourist attractions near the stadium are:
- McLeod Ganj: A small town near Dharamsala, famous for its Tibetan culture, monasteries, and handicrafts.
- Triund: A popular trekking destination with breathtaking views of the Himalayas.
- Dal Lake: A serene lake surrounded by mountains and forests, located about 5 km from the stadium.
- Bhagsu Waterfall: A beautiful waterfall located in the Bhagsunath temple complex, about 2 km from the stadium.
- Kangra Fort: A historic fort located about 20 km from the stadium, built by the Kangra rulers in the 4th century.
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