DHARAMSALA: The Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) has announced that its stadium in Dharamshala is set to host five matches of the upcoming Cricket World Cup, which is scheduled to begin on October 7, 2023.
Avinish Parmar, the Honorary Secretary of HPCA, expressed excitement about this development and highlighted the association's dedication to preparing the stadium despite facing challenging weather conditions over the past three months in Dharamsala . He emphasized that all preparations are proceeding as planned and on schedule.
HPCA has taken significant steps to enhance the stadium's facilities for both players and spectators. The pitches , known for providing a true bounce, has been meticulously prepared with nine pitches meeting the highest standards. The stadium now features a state-of-the-art drainage system with air evacuation capabilities, ensuring quick water absorption to resume play promptly.
The stands have been refurbished to provide a modern look, and additional facilities such as 26 new toilets and free drinking water facilities have been added for the comfort of fans. The stadium can accommodate a crowd of 20, 200, with 17 hospitality boxes, a club lounge, and a VIP gallery offering stunning views of the DhaulaDhar Ranges.
To enhance the overall visitor experience, the stadium has been equipped with façade lighting and granite walkways, adding to its aesthetic appeal. The practice area has been revamped with ten pitches catering to various training needs, and floodlights have been installed for extended practice hours. An indoor training facility is also available for the players. Improvements have been made to the dressing rooms, providing comfortable seating, dedicated lockers, sauna baths, and ice bath tubs.
The Cricket World Cup matches in Dharamshala are scheduled to start on October 7, 2023, with a total of five matches taking place at the stadium during the tournament. The ICC ODI World Cup 2023 schedule includes five matches to be held at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium in Dharamshala. Here's a list of the matches that will take place in Dharamshala during the tournament:
Bangladesh vs. Afghanistan on October 7, 2023
England vs. Bangladesh on October 10, 2023
South Africa vs. Netherlands on October 17, 2023
India vs. New Zealand on October 22, 2023
Australia vs. New Zealand on October 28, 2023