‘Ye stadium India main hai, ya NZ main?’ – Fans react to the newly renovated HPCA stadium in Dharamshala

The final two games for the Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 will be played at their second home in Dharamshala. On May 17 and 19, respectively, the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) will host two PBKS matches against Delhi Capitals and Rajasthan Royals. Indian Premier League will be coming back to Dharamshala after nine years, but let’s explore why PBKS opt for this lovely pitch as their destination.

The last IPL game was played at Dharamshala in 2013, although none have been held there since because of a legal dispute between the HPCA and the then-Congress government over the ownership of the Dharamshala cricket venue. IPL games will enhance Dharamshala as a tourism destination, according to HPCA director Sanjay Sharma, who said the pitch in Dharmsala will be re-laid in 2022.

Sanjay Sharma spoke about how the IPL matches can be beneficial for tourism in the state as well as the country in general. He said, “We are expecting cooperation from the state government for hosting the matches. The IPL matches promote Dharamsala as a tourist destination across the world and also attract tourists to the region. The government should support sports bodies in organizing national and international cricket matches here as this will also promote tourism.”

The HPCA director is prepared for a packed house for PBKS clashes against DC and RR because of its 25000 capacity. For those who are unaware, two IPL matches have already begun to be reserved. Already, travellers from many locations have expressed interest in attending games in Dharamshala.

Regarding PBKS, Shikhar Dhawan’s team is still in the running for the playoffs as a result of their outstanding victory against DC in Delhi. With 12 points, PBKS are currently ranked seventh on the points standings. To be eligible for the playoffs, they must defeat DC and RR twice. Since participating in the IPL 2014 season final, PBKS has gone eight years without making the playoffs. PBKS would like to end that streak this time.

Fans react to the newly renovated HPCA stadium in Dharamshala:

Dharamshala Stadium will be hosting an IPL match tomorrow.

One of the most beautiful Stadiums in the world! pic.twitter.com/YcTtSeHsLn

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) May 16, 2023

Which matches are going to be hosted by this stadium in this year's IPL? Please anyone?

— Tanmay (@Tanmay2118) May 16, 2023

Which was last IPL match and last international match played here ?? @mufaddal_vohra

— Devansh (@devanshdp9) May 16, 2023

Look 😍 pic.twitter.com/waX9u7LHVV

— sushil attri 🇮🇳 (@Isushilattri14) May 16, 2023

Perfect test match venue but unfortunately dosen't get much test matches😞

— Vishesh Jain (@Vishesh2495) May 16, 2023

Looks like 55 meter boundaries, maybe i am wrong but this looks so small . Beautiful stadium though

— Stiffmeister (@chico91617929) May 16, 2023

One of the most nahi it's the most beautiful 😍 stadium 🏟️🏟️ ever

— Suraj Karkera 🇮🇳 (@karkerasrj7) May 16, 2023

Average stadium in beautiful place. None of the stadiums in India can beat Australian stadiums. Not even one!

We might have the biggest Motera, but aesthetically, Australian Stadiums are more advanced in lighting, LED boards, seats, architecture, and cleanliness.

— ಅಮೃತೇಶ್ | Amrutesh (@amruteshmysore) May 16, 2023

Why don't BCCI host test matches here? What a wonderful sight, just like cape town. Will be a wonderful sight. BCCI should identify 6-7 venues for test matches. Chennai, Dharmashala, Mumbai, Kolkata, Ahmedabad should be definitely there.

— Professor (@criccrazyprabhs) May 16, 2023