DHARAMSHALA: Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium (HPCA) Dharamshala here has etched its name in history as it hosted the its first world cup cricket match here. HPCA has clinched an impressive five matches out of 40 matches in the ICC World Cup One Day International cricket series.
This remarkable achievement has propelled Himachal Pradesh onto the global stage and given a significant boost to tourism and sport culture in the region. HPCA's elder cousins like Mohali and Chandigarh failed to make a cut with the ICC.
The first match between Afghanistan and Bangladesh, held on October 7th, may have been a low-key affair, but it united fans of all categories in the picturesque tourist town of Dharamshala.
Another highly anticipated match to watch out for is the clash between Bangladesh and England scheduled for October 10th at 10:30 AM, promising to add another glorious chapter to Dharamshala's sporting history.
The cricketing extravaganza continues with three key matches on the horizon.
On October 17th at 2 PM, Netherlands will face South Africa in a thrilling day-night encounter.
However, the match that promises to be the highlight for fans is the face-off between cricket giants India and New Zealand on October 22nd at 2 PM, also in a day-night format. This has sent entire Kangra-Hamirpur belt into a cricket-crazy mania.
Wrapping up the five-match spectacle is the clash between Australia and New Zealand on October 28th at 10:30 AM, concluding this cricketing spectacle featuring stars from ten different countries across the globe.
The credit for HPCA's cricketing success must be attributed to none other than the then President of HPCA, Anurag Singh Thakur.
His instrumental role in creating the Dharamshala stadium, amidst a protracted political battle over land between the ruling BJP government and the Congress, cannot be overstated.
Today, the HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala is renowned as one of the world's most beautiful cricket grounds, cherished by players of all backgrounds.
Set against the stunning backdrop of the mighty Dhauladhar ranges, it offers a breathtaking view that even rivals the excitement on the cricket field.
The hotel industry and local art and craft bazaars in Dharamshala are thriving, thanks to the influx of fans and players from across India and around the world.
Numerous hotels and guest houses have been fully booked to accommodate cricket enthusiasts eager to witness this sporting extravaganza amidst the majestic Dhauladhar.
HPCA is also reaping the benefits, with ticket sales ranging from Rs. 1,000 to Rs. 10,000 in the VIP block.
This success can be largely attributed to Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting and Youth Affairs and Sports, Anurag Singh Thakur.
Thakur represents Hamirpur Lok Sabha constituency. He relentlessly advocated for Dharamshala to host five matches in the ICC World Cup.
This prestigious ICC World Cup cricket status for the HPCA Stadium is set to propel it to new heights of glory and popularity on the world cricket stage.
This achievement is not only a source of pride for Himachal Pradesh but also a source of inspiration for aspiring youth in the state, who have been excelling in sports like shooting, Kabaddi, and cricket.
The future of sports in Himachal Pradesh looks brighter than ever, thanks to this historic accomplishment on the global cricketing stage and Asian Games, where India created history by winning over 100 medals for the first time under stewardship of Anurag Singh Thakur.
While Anurag Singh Thakur has all smiles, Congress MP and renowned writer Shashi Tharoor has been sulking over the distribution of world cup venues across India.
Dharamshala has carved out a niche for itself. But bigger profiled cities like Mohali and Thiruvananthapuram are sulking.
