Dharamshala/Shimla- In a groundbreaking selection, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has chosen the tiny tourist town of Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh as one of the host cities for the upcoming Cricket World Cup, which is getting to a flying start from October this year.
This announcement marks a historic moment for the town which will host fabulous five matches of the World cup at HPCA Cricket Stadium at Dharamshala.
It is a proud moment for the residents of Dharamshala and the entire state of Himachal Pradesh, who now eagerly await the arrival of this global cricketing extravaganza.
Dharamshala has never before had the opportunity to showcase its cricketing prowess on such a global grand stage.
Dharamshala has hosted international cricket matches earlier as well and many cricket stars and fans have praised its locale with snowy sentinels of Dhauladhar Range towering over the Cricket stadium.
Despite Dharamshala's modest capacity of 23,000 spectators, there is no denying the immense beauty and allure of its cricket stadium.
It ranks among the world's most stunning sporting venues. BCCI's decision to include Dharamshala as a host city not only highlights the town's scenic charm but also recognizes its growing prominence in the cricketing landscape.
Hamirpur MP and Union information and Broadcasting and Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Anurag Singh Thakur deserved pat on his back so is the case with the HPCA, which he nurtured from Day one.
The highly anticipated clash between India and New Zealand will grace the Dharamshala cricket stadium on October 22, cementing town's place in cricketing history and will also take tourism potential of Kangra valley to a next level.
With this prestigious match, Dharamshala is set to witness a thrilling contest between two cricketing powerhouses, captivating both local fans and enthusiasts from around the globe.
As the World Cup matches are allocated to various cities across India, some voices of dissent have emerged, criticizing the distribution of matches.
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.
They have expressed disappointment at not being awarded any matches despite their fervent cricketing communities and excellent stadiums.
Shashi Tharoor from Kerala has taken up the mantle, calling for a fair and balanced distribution of World Cup matches across India.
Tharoor argues that while some cities have been granted multiple matches, the joy of hosting a match should be extended to other deserving venues.
He has showcased the remarkable new stadium in Thiruvananthapuram, as well as other substantial towns like Mohali and Ranchi.
BCCI's decision to grant Dharamshala its first-ever World Cup match signifies a significant step towards promoting cricket in smaller towns and spreading the game's reach across the country.
With the tiny town of Dharamshala making its mark on the international cricketing stage, the world will soon witness the breathtaking beauty of the stadium and the passionate support of the local fans.
As preparations intensify and anticipation builds, the World Cup match in Dharamshala promises to be a historic event that will be etched in the annals of both cricket and the town's legacy.
Other cities which have got matches are Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Chennai, Pune, Lucknow and Ahmadabad.
Chennai will host India Vs Australia on October 8.
PM Modi’s Amit Shah’s Gujarat will host the high-pitched India Vs Pakistan match on October 15.
Arvind Kejrival’s Delhi has got a low-pitched India vs Afghanistan match.
HPCA Dharamshala to Host 5 Prestigious World Cup Matches on Newly Laid Outfield in October 2023
Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) is elated to announce its selection as the host venue for five prestigious World Cup matches.
HPCA gave its credit to former Presidents Anurag Singh Thakur and Arun Dhumal, who tirelessly worked towards enhancing the game and cricket infrastructure in the state.
HPCA Dharamshala expresses gratitude to the BCCI and the International Cricket Council (ICC) for granting them this prestigious opportunity to host the World Cup matches, mainly for BCCI President Roger Binny and Honorary Secretary Jay Shah.
Over the past year, HPCA has made significant improvements to the ground and facilities, transforming it into one of the world's best outfields.
This was evident during the highly successful Indian Premier League (IPL) games held last month.
To cater to Dharamshala's weather conditions, HPCA has implemented the state-of-the-art SIS Air evacuation system, featuring a combination of Ryegrass and shade-tolerant Paspalam grass.
This advanced cricket ground, set against the stunning backdrop of the Dhauladhar mountains, incorporates an efficient drainage system and a meticulously chosen grass variety.
The SIS Air technology, developed by SIS Pitches Holland/UK, was installed by their Indian partners, GreaterTEN, Mumbai.
Ryegrass was seeded in winter, while Paspalum, known for its shade tolerance, was introduced to withstand high summer temperatures. The project, supervised by expert SIS Air engineers, was completed in a record time of 75 days, ensuring the grass bed was ready for seeding.
Dharamshala's outfield is equipped with curled artificial grass along the periphery, allowing for smooth movement of various agencies during the game while safeguarding the playing surface. The ground can now quickly recover from heavy rainfall, with play resuming within 15 minutes, a remarkable improvement compared to other venues.
Avnish Parmar, Secretary of HPCA, expressed immense excitement about the opportunity to host these five significant matches, featuring 10 test-playing nations in a 50-over format for the first time.
He believes the World Cup will provide a memorable experience for players, visitors, fans, and the media, boosting tourism and placing Himachal Pradesh and Kangra on the world map.
