Dharamsala welcomes IPL for the first time in its history

With snow-capped mountains as a backdrop, the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium in Dharamsala can claim to be the most picturesque cricket grounds in India. One of the newest venues in India, the stadium is situated about 1457 metres above sea level.

It was included on the international cricket map in 2005, when it hosted a warm-up tie between the touring Pakistan team and the Indian Board President’s XI. Since then, the HPCA Stadium has played host to a few of Himachal Pradesh’s home matches in the Ranji Trophy, apart from hosting a few zonal one-day matches.

With pleasant temperatures in the summer, a lush green outfield and great facilities at the stadium, the HPCA Stadium is also used by the National Cricket Academy to host its zonal cricket camps.

Such is the appeal of the venue that Dav Whatmore, former Director (Operations) of the National Cricket Academy and current Kolkata Knight Riders coach had recommended that it was fit to host one-day internationals thanks to the good outfield and pitch.