Himalayan stadium reaches new heights

Encouraged by the successful staging of a one-day international between India and England on 27th January, the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) has plans to host further events at its HPCA Stadium.

Located in the city of Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh, India (a town best known internationally as the home of the Dalai Lama), the Stadium is home to Himachal Pradesh cricket team for Ranji Trophy matches and other limited overs matches.

Described as "the most attractive ground in India" by UK newspaper The Guardian, the Stadium has also hosted two Indian Premier League (IPL) matches as a home stadium for the Kings XI Punjab.

Sited at an altitude of 1,457 metres above sea level and with specular snow capped Himalayan mountains in the background, the Stadium has hosted major cricket fixtures since 2003.

Recently redeveloped to a capacity of 25,000 and with floodlights installed for IPL matches, HPCA wants to attract more fixtures to the ground and is backing this with plans for a new hotel while lobbying for improved air services between its local airport and the Indian capital Delhi.

Although the venue only has a short history, its groundsmen have a reputation for producing some of the best wickets in India.

Describing the ground, Andy Wilson wrote in The Guardian recently "a cricket ground where a bowler can accurately be described as running in from the Himalayas end is clearly an unusual addition to the international circuit.

"The highest international ground in the world ... it is overlooked by the Dhauladhar range of the Himalayas that includes snow-capped peaks.

"The air is crisp, Vultures and Eagles soar nearby, and the Dalai Lama has established his Tibetan Government in Exile just up the hill in Mcleodganj. Worcester it isn't."

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