Himachal’s World Class Stadium

Naren Kumar          (cover story)

The picturesque Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association cricket stadium in Dharamshala has carved a niche for itself in the world cricket as it became 27th Test venue in India. India won the intensely played deciding Test Match against visiting Australian team within four days to lift the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Apart from stadium’s location in the backdrop of mighty Himalayas, what fascinated the international cricketing community, including cricketers and commentators, the most was its unique quality of cricket pitch. It supported all departments of the cricket; batting, fast bowling and spin bowling, in contrast to cricket pitches in other parts of the country. All stakeholders of the Test Match described the cricket pitch at HPCA stadium as one of the best pitches in the world that allows an absorbing game of cricket to produce a result in the end.

Gets Accolade From Cricketers, Commentators

Having produced the result on fourth day of Test Match between India and Australia, cricket pitch of Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) stadium in Dharamshala has got world class recognition. Not only international cricketers but experts have also described it as world’s best cricket wicket suitable for a Test Match. Spectators who thronged Dharamshala from other states also to enjoy international cricket match remained engrossed in the cricketing battle also. The pitch provided batsman to play strokes, swing and lift for fast bowlers and remarkable turn for spin bowlers making a fascinating game of cricket.  All cricketers had an opportunity to turn the cricket match to his team’s favour by showing one’s skills. In all 875 runs were score as 32 wickets fell in four days of Test Match.

* Result oriented cricket pitch for a Test Match

* Supports Batting, Fast and spin bowling

* Fast pitch good for stroke play

* Spinners also remain interested

Credit To Pitch Curator

The credit for preparing such a supporting and result oriented pitch goes to Sunil Chauhan, Ground and Pitch member who is also the HPCA’s Chief Pitch Curator. Spectators witnessed fascinating cricket for four days at Dharamshala as visiting Australian team was seemingly unhappy over the pitches on which earlier Test Matches were played. But the visiting team too described Dharamshala’s cricket pitch as the best in the world. Dharamshala hosted Pitch curator Sunil Chauhan told Himachal This Week that little grass and moisture was left on the pitch on the first day to provide help to fast bowlers. As the pitch dried up, it helped batsman also.

On the second day, pith was flat and dry suitable for stroke play as the ball bounced and carried, he added. Third day pitch was also good but developed some cracks as it cracked further on the fourth day, said Sunil Chauhan. Uneven bounce due to cracks on the pitch would have helped bowlers and batsman to play their strokes, he added.

Unique Process To Prepare Pitch

The pitch curator prepared the Dharamshala cricket pitch as a three layered one. Top seven to eight inches contain pitch soil whereas the next layer contains three to four inches of fine sandy soil. The last layer contains of thick sand particles, said Chauhan, pointing that such a pitch never develops bigger cracks. Smaller cracks help in percolating moisture and air to the roots. Helping in removal of excess water and moisture, the bottom two layers act as foundation for the top layer, added the chief curator.

Highlights

Australian cricket team seeking blessings from His Holiness Dalai Lama in McLeodganj and (below) spectators enjoying Test Match at HPCA cricket stadium in Dharamshala.

-All photos by Vinod Kumar/Dharamshala

Big Boost To Tourism

International cricket matches being held at HPCA cricket stadium in Dharamshala is providing a big boost to the tourism sector not only in the area but across Himachal also. Test Match,  T20 World cup matches, T20 matches besides IPL matches have successfully organised at this venue. This stadium has gained so much popularity that every tourist coming to this area makes it a point to visit this venue. Normally 2000 to 4000 tourists daily visit visit stadium during normal tourist season. However, 80% of the spectators come from neighbouring states to witness matches in HPCA stadium having a capacity of 25,000. There is urgent need to boost tourism in this hilly state through sports activities.

* International cricket stadium has attracted tourists to this place. Efforts should be put in to bring more matches to boost tourism and employment opportunities here

-Rahul Bhardwaj, A Young Model, Dharamshala

* Dharamshala has established identity as a sports city. Cricketers like pleasant weather and world class cricket pitch. More matches will generate self employment opportunities

-Sonu Dogra, A Young Cricketer, Dharamshala

* Cricket matches have attracted more tourists to Himachal. There is a need to develop other adventure activities like para gliding and trekking at various destinations

-Vipin Nehria, A Businessman, Dharamshala

* Nearly ten times more tourists visit Dharamshala during cricket matches in HPCA stadium. However, steps should be taken to prolong stay of tourists in Himachal

-Onkar Singh Nehria, McLeodganj

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