In India cricket stadiums are one of the main factors for the teams to win games. The fans of some stadiums are so enthusiastic and support the team that it pressures the opponents and they act as a 12th man for the side. Especially when team India is playing. There are some iconic stadiums around the world where the Men in Blue gets equal support and love from the fans. However, playing in Indian stadiums is a different feeling.
Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium (HPCA) is one of the loveliest stadiums in the world. Situated right at 1457 metres above sea level the stadium in Dharamshala. It is commonly recognised as the most picturesque cricket stadium in the world. The Dhauladhar mountain range features as a backdrop for the stadium. The stadium provides one of the most breathtaking views for its fans. Especially when the peaks are covered in snow during the time of winter.
History of HPCA Stadium
The stadium was built in the early 2000s by the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA). They had the aim to create a world-class cricketing facility amidst Dharamshala’s calm and magnificent scenery. It is one of the highest-located stadiums in the world. One of the stadium’s unique features is its grass-covered roof, which reflects the nearby undulating hills and contributes to the preservation of the area’s natural beauty.
Except for the main ground, the stadium complex features practice grounds and training facilities where local, national, and international teams can practice. Getting to Dharamsala from the nearest Kangra Airport. It is roughly 8 km away across steep terrain, and the hard winters, when it rains and snows, cause problems for regular matches. The first ODI at this stadium was played between India and England on 27 January 2013. The Three Lions came victorious over the home side. While fans enjoy the beautiful view of the stadium. We next take a look at how many fans the stadium can accommodate.
Dharamshala Cricket Stadium Capacity
It is not the largest stadium in India. The HPCA stadium can accommodate approximately 23,000 people in seats. The boundaries in length are from 62 to 70 meters. With 62 meters being the smallest boundary and 70 meters being the longest boundary at this stadium. The stadium is one of the smallest in the world as well. Despite its natural backdrop, the fans enjoy watching cricket in this stadium.
Notable Matches played at HCPA Stadium
5. Netherlands vs South Africa, ODI World Cup 2023
South Africa faced the Netherlands in the ODI World Cup round-robin match. The Dutch were invited to bat first after winning the toss. They posted a fighting score of 245/7 in their 50 overs. Coming out to chase the Proteas kept on losing wickets. However a small fightback by David Miller and Keshav Maharaj could not seal them through to victory. It was history created by Scott Edward’s side.
4. Kings XI Punjab vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru, IPL 2011
Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) played out Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) in IPL 2011 in Dharamsala after seven consecutive wins. Adam Gilchrist and Shaun Marsh, smashed records to stitch a record 206-run second wicket stand on a batting surface. Gilchrist scored his second century in the league and Marsh remained unbeaten on 79 to power the hosts to a mammoth 232/2. Despite having the likes of Chris Gayle, Virat Kohli, and AB de Villiers the total proved too far for RCB. They failed to chase the target and were bowled out for 121 runs.
3. New Zealand vs Australia, ODI World Cup 2023
Australia played New Zealand in the round-robin stage of the ODI World Cup. It was a high-scoring thriller at Dharamshala. The Kiwi bowlers faced the storm named Travis Head and David Warner as they scored 118/0 in just 10 overs. Warner scored 81 runs and Head scored 109 off 67 deliveries. Was bowled out on 388. Chasing New Zealand finished with 383-9 in 50 overs, with Rachin Ravindra scoring 116 off 89 balls. The game finished 771 runs which is the most ever runs combined in World Cup history.
2. India vs South Africa, T20I 2015
Men in Blue faced South Africa in the 1st T20I at the ground. The Men in Blue with the help of Rohit Sharma’s 106 runs posted a total of 199/3 in their 20 overs. Virat Kohli also played a firing knock of 43 runs. However, that was not enough against the firing 68-run innings of JP Duminy the Proteas chased down the target in just 19.4 overs with 7 wickets in hand.
1. India vs New Zealand, ODI World Cup 2023
New Zealand faced India in the round-robin stage of the ODI World Cup 2023. The Kiwis were invited to bat first after Rohit Sharma won the toss. Mohammed Shami picked up five wickets with Daryl Mitchell scoring a century and a solid 75 from Rachin Ravindra helped them post a target of 274 runs. India were off to a flyer with their captain Rohit leading the charge, with 46 off 40 deliveries. Virat Kohli’s 95 and Ravindra Jadeja’s crucial 39 runs helped India beat the Black Caps after two decades.
Conclusion
The HPCA stadium however has hosted only two test matches and despite the weather problems and ground conditions, BCCI does not take the risk of hosting a five-day game for the Indian team. Only a few days and T20Is are being played here compared to the other grounds of India. This one-of-a-kind location, with its amazing setting and breathtaking surroundings, has made an everlasting impression on the cricketing world. It remains a symbol of human passion and natural majesty. For us this is one of the finest stadiums in the world do let us know in the comments. Of how you see this stadium?
