Dharamshala Cricket Stadium: At about 1457 meters above sea level, the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA), is one of the most beautiful and marvelous stadiums not only in India but all over the world. The stadium has a capacity for 23,000 spectators. The c (HPCA) stadium is the second home of the Indian Premier League Punjab team, the Punjab Kings. The stadium was built in 2003 and served as Himachal Pradesh’s Ranji Trophy team. The stadium facilities and their beautiful view often mesmerize the audience. International cricket made its very first appearance in this stadium only which established the HPCA stadium as a world-class cricket stadium in a very short period of time. Let’s learn more about the stadium from the article.
Dharamshala Cricket Stadium Overview
Below is the overview of the Dharamshala Cricket Stadium.
| Opened | 2003 |
| Capacity | 23,000 spectators |
| Location | Dharamshala, India |
| Time Zone | IST / UTC + 05:30 |
| Home To | Himachal Pradesh, Punjab Kings |
| Floodlights | Yes |
| Curator | Sunil Chauhan |
Dharamshala Cricket Stadium Matches
Dharamshala cricket stadium has held a total of 22 matches to date, including 2 tests, 9 ODIs, and 11 T20 matches. The stadium has set several records, including India’s highest team total is 199/9 (2015), which South Africa successfully chased. Punjab Kings posted 232/2 in 2011. The home team has won 8 out of 11 matches in the stadium. The average score in the first innings sits at 180.3.
Dharamshala Cricket Stadium History
The stadium was built in 2003, but gained recognition in 2013, when it went international and held the first international match. The stadium is located on the hills, which are known for their dramatic backdrop and crisp mountain air. The stadium hosted a total of 5 matches of the 2023 Cricket World Cup, including New Zealand vs India. The stadium came into existence when the BCCI and the state government had a plan to make an International Stadium in Shimla. But later, the Army did not accept this in Annadale as it is an Army Cantonment area, so Dharamshala was finally chosen.
Dharamshala Cricket Stadium Pitch Report
The pitch has a good bounce and it favours stroke makers. It helps players in fluent batting. High scores are anticipated in the IPL 2025, with an average of 31.5 runs per batter, a strike rate above 145, and a scoring pace of 9.2 runs per over. Because of the true surface, spinners have had little effect, while pacers may find early movement. Captains prefer to chase because of the thin air and speedy outfield, which further facilitate scoring.
The Dharamsala stadium pitch is not that favourable for batting as it really aids fast-paced bowlers in stopping batters and limiting totals.
The pitch here often offers a lot of runs, since the ground is located at a high altitude, the ball travels faster as well. The pitch helps quick pace bowlers as the ball here travels fast. Most often, the teams chasing the match lose due to the nature of the pitch.
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Dharamshala Cricket Stadium Boundary Details
Dharamshala cricket stadium is famous for its amazing view of Dhauladhar mountain range. The boundaries of the dharamshala stadium are short as compared to international stadiums. Straight boundary of the stadium measures 65-70 meters and the square boundaries are 75 meters apart. The boundary length makes the stadium smaller in size, favouring batsman to score high.
Dharamshala Cricket Stadium Image Gallery
Dharamshala Cricket Stadium T20 (Domestic) Stats
Let’s look at the table below, which describes T20 (Domestic) Stats-
| Total Matches | 11 |
| Matches won batting first | 4 |
| Matches won bowling first | 6 |
| Average 1st innings Score | 137 |
| Average 2nd innings Score | 128 |
| The highest total recorded | 200/3 (19.4 Ovs) By RSA vs IND |
| Lowest total recorded | 0/0 (0 Ovs) By vs |
| The highest score chased | 200/3 (19.4 Ovs) By RSA vs IND |
| Lowest score defended | 59/5 (6 Ovs) By NED vs IRE |
Dharamshala Cricket Stadium TEST Stats
Let’s look at the table below, which describes TEST Stats –
| Total Matches | 2 |
| Matches won batting first | 0 |
| Matches won bowling first | 2 |
| Average 1st innings Score | 259 |
| Average 2nd innings Score | 404 |
| Average 3rd innings Score | 166 |
| Average 4th innings Score | 106 |
| The highest total recorded | 477/10 (124.1 Ovs) By IND vs ENG |
| Lowest total recorded | 137/10 (53.5 Ovs) By AUS vs IND |
| The highest score chased | 106/2 (23.5 Ovs) By IND vs AUS |
| Lowest score defended | 0/0 (0 Ovs) By vs |
Dharamshala Cricket Stadium ODI Stats
Let’s look at the table below, which describes ODI Stats –
| Total Matches | 9 |
| Matches won batting first | 4 |
| Matches won bowling first | 5 |
| Average 1st innings Score | 253 |
| Average 2nd innings Score | 228 |
| The highest total recorded | 388/10 (49.2 Ovs) By AUS vs NZ |
| Lowest total recorded | 112/10 (38.2 Ovs) By IND vs SL |
| The highest score chased | 274/6 (48 Ovs) By IND vs NZ |
| Lowest score defended | 245/8 (43 Ovs) By NED vs RSA |
IPL Record at Dharamshala Cricket Stadium
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Matches | 14 |
| Matches won by teams batting first | 9 |
| Matches won by teams chasing | 5 |
| Highest Total | 241/7 by Royal Challengers Bangalore |
| Highest Score Chased | 178/5 by Deccan Chargers |
| Highest Individual Score | 106 by A C Gilchrist (Punjab Kings) |
| Best Bowling Performance | 4/9 by A Mishra (Deccan Chargers) |
| Highest Average First Innings Score | 187 |
| Highest Total Successfully Chased | 193 |
Dharamshala Cricket Stadium Location
FAQs
1. Where is HPCA Stadium located?
The HPCA Stadium is located in Dharamshala, in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, India. It sits at an altitude of about 1,457 meters (4,780 feet) above sea level, offering stunning views of the snow-capped Dhauladhar mountain range.
2. How many spectators can visit Dharamshala Cricket Stadium?
The Dharamsala Cricket Stadium has a capacity of 23,000 spectators. Though the size of the stadium is small, the infrastructure and scenic background makes it unique.
3.Who manages the Dharamsala Stadium?
Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) manages the Dharamsala stadium. It plays a key role in promoting cricket in the hill state and hosting matches.
4. When was Dharamsala stadium inaugurated?
The construction of Dharamsala stadium started in early 2000s, and the stadium was officially inaugurated in 2003.
5. What types of matches are played here?
The HPCA Stadium has hosted ODIs, T20 Internationals, and Indian Premier League (IPL) matches. Due to its high altitude and fast outfield, it is considered a challenging yet exciting venue for players.
6. Which IPL team uses it as their home ground?
The stadium has served as one of the home grounds for Punjab Kings (formerly Kings XI Punjab). The franchise has occasionally played a few of its IPL matches here to reach fans in the northern region.
7. What makes HPCA Stadium special?
What sets the HPCA Stadium apart is its breathtaking location, surrounded by the Himalayas. It is considered one of the most picturesque cricket stadiums in the world. The natural beauty, combined with its world-class facilities, offers a unique experience for both players and spectators.
