Dharamshala Cricket Stadium
The charming Dharamshala Cricket Stadium, also known as the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium, is located in the shadow of the magnificent Himalayan mountain range. One of the highest sports venues in the world, it is situated in the Kangra valley at a height of 1,457 masl, amidst the Dhauladhar mountain range. The Indian Cricket Team, the Himachal Pradesh state cricket side, and the Kings XI Punjab team from the Indian Premier League (IPL) frequently practise at the Cricket Stadium, which is run under the supervision of HPCA.
The stadium is open to visitors even when there are no planned games, and it has a vista similar to that of the Adelaide Oval or Newlands. Tibetan architectural design was used to construct the main stand.
It can accommodate up to 23,000 spectators and includes a number of contemporary conveniences for holding cricket matches at the national and international levels.
The fact that there is no fence in front of the seating section, allowing for an unimpeded view of the sport, may be the nicest aspect of witnessing a game at the magnificent Dharamshala Cricket Stadium. A pleasant, hassle-free visit is made possible by the administration’s politeness and the area’s general well-maintained condition. “Shall I look at the mountains or the match?” is the perpetual internal conflict that will rip you apart.
Who Should Visit Dharamshala Cricket Stadium?
The Cricket Stadium in Dharamshala is a wonderful site to spend an afternoon, despite the fact that it could appear to be a destination primarily for cricket enthusiasts. Everyone enjoys the outing because of the beauty of the surrounding mountains and the continual pleasant breeze that blows across the grounds. This stadium has a manageable attendance, therefore attending a game there has many benefits.
How To Reach Dharamshala Cricket Stadium?
The Kangra Airport in Gaggal is roughly 11 km northeast of the Cricket Stadium in Dharamshala. Taxis are easily accessible for city commuting and are the most practical mode of transportation in the hilly terrain.
Facilities at Dharamshala Cricket Stadium
The stadium, currently more popularly referred to as the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, was built with the audacious goal of promoting the sport in the northern state. Modern amenities include separate indoor and outdoor practise fields, spacious dressing rooms, cutting-edge irrigation facilities, a well-equipped gym, a press gallery, TV and radio commentator boxes, a clubhouse, a recreation centre, and a post-match conference room were integrated into the stadium. The project had an about 60 crore INR total cost.
Tips for Visiting Dharamshala Cricket Stadium
1. Due to the stadium’s high altitude, certain people may experience health issues that are aggravated by the low pressure circumstances, so precautions must be made to avoid this.
2. Arrive well before 5:00 PM to give yourself enough of time to take in the stadium’s splendour.
History of Dharamshala Cricket Stadium
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) have been partners for 17 years. On July 2, 2000, Mr. Anurag Singh Thakur was chosen to serve as the HPCA’s fourth president. At the time, the state of Himachal Pradesh’s efforts to promote cricket were suffering from a serious lack of infrastructure and visibility. The Indira Gandhi Stadium in Una, built in 1995, was the sole stadium in the state at the time.
Therefore, Mr. Thakur decided to develop a spectacular cricket pitch in the middle of nature at Dharamshala after nearly two decades of affiliation with the BCCI. His Holiness the Dalai Lama, who spent the most of his exile in this Himalayan region, has made the city well renowned as a hikers’ paradise. The Dharamshala Cricket Stadium, which has several cutting-edge amenities, was built in 2003 and spans a 16-acre area.
It is the first cricket stadium in India to have ryegrass covering, which is essential for sustaining the surface during difficult winters when temperatures drop below zero and the area is blanketed in snow. It is challenging to plan regular matches at this venue because of the harsh weather. For this reason, despite the stadium’s construction in 2003, the first One Day International (ODI) between India and England was held here only in January 2013. This was true even though there had been heavy snowfall in the weeks before up to the game. The Dharamshala cricket ground has so far hosted 8 ODIs and 1 Test Match. During a game, the persistent winds frequently help the bowlers.
Architecture of Dharamshala Cricket Stadium
The vibrant architecture of this cricket stadium, which was built in the Tibetan style, is a reflection of Dharamshala’s history and culture. Bright colours that stand out against the ominous gloomy background give the stadium a distinctive aesthetic appeal. Overall, the Dharamshala Cricket Stadium is a representation of how a nation can be defined by its sports, culture, and scenic beauty.
