Friday, 4 September 2015

HPCA: Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association



With the craze of cricket increasing in our country it has also touched Himachal Pradesh the land of the untouched beauty of India. Once upon a time when people here were conserved are now sports loving crazy fans leading to development of the dharamshala Cricket stadium and also talks of new stadiums in Shimla and Chail to be built are in progress. 

Located in the sacred town of Dalai Lama at an altitude of 1457meters above sea level this is one of the most beautiful stadiums established in 2003. This is the home ground for Himachal Pradesh cricket team and also as many Indian Premier League matches have been recently played here it is also considered as a home ground for Kings X11 Punjab. It has a seating capacity of 23,000.

HPCA: Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association

The road to Dharamshala is however difficult as it is a rocky terrain with the nearest airport being Chandigarh and 250kms from road from Chandigarh.
The former director of Indian National Cricket Academy DAV Whatmore played a major role in promoting international games at this stadium by giving his valuable recommendations.

The first International team to play at this ground was Pakistan cricket team against India.

In 2013 it played host to the first ODI between India and England and the 2nd ODI was played in 2014 against West Indies.

Himachal Pradesh is also the host to the HIGHEST cricket ground in the entire world located in Chail built in 1893. It is at an altitude 2444 meters above sea level built by the Bhupinder Singh the Maharaja of Patiala to play friendly matches as Chail was his then summer capital.

Now the ground comes under the Army. Though plans to develop cricket matches and organize international matches are in view but it is still a long way to go.

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