The Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium in Dharamsala is renowned for its picturesque setting at 1457 meters above sea level, with the Dhauladhar mountain range as a stunning backdrop. It has a seating capacity of around 23,000 and features two ends: the River End and the College End.
What makes HPCA Stadium truly unique is its balance of modern infrastructure and natural allure. From high-quality ryegrass to its seam-friendly pitch, the venue offers a distinctive experience for players and spectators alike. Visitors can enjoy top-notch amenities, guided tours, and scenic views, even on non-match days. Adding to its charm, it serves as a gateway to Dharamshala’s cultural and historical attractions, including temples, waterfalls, and trekking routes.
Whether you’re a cricket enthusiast or a curious traveler, HPCA Stadium is much more than a sporting venue it’s an experience that combines culture, history, and breathtaking natural beauty. This guide will provide everything you need to know, from its history and records to travel tips and nearby attractions.
Key Highlights
- Location: Situated in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, with stunning Himalayan views.
- History: Established in 2003, first international match in 2013, a prominent IPL venue.
- Features: Tibetan-style architecture, ryegrass for all-weather maintenance, modern facilities.
- Records: Host to thrilling matches, including Tests, ODIs, T20Is, and IPL games.
- Visitor Details: Open for tourists, with facilities like guided tours, restrooms, and food stalls.
Ultimate Guide to HPCA Stadium: A Cricket and Travel Haven
Nestled in the breathtaking backdrop of the Dhauladhar mountain range, the HPCA Stadium, located in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, is a must-visit destination for cricket enthusiasts and travelers.
This guide will provide a comprehensive overview of the stadium, covering history, features, facilities, pitch reports, records, visitor tips, and nearby attractions to make your visit unforgettable.
- Nearby Attractions: Close to cultural landmarks like the Dalai Lama Temple and Bhagsu Waterfall.
- Travel Options: Accessible via air, train, and road; ideal for scenic road trips.
- Pitch Conditions: Balanced for both batsmen and bowlers, depending on weather and altitude.
HPCA Stadium: A Historical Marvel
HPCA Stadium, established in 2003, is a masterpiece that marries cricket with natural beauty. It achieved international recognition after hosting its first international match in 2013.
- Location: Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, India
- Capacity: Approximately 23,000 spectators
- Established: 2003
- Key Milestones:
- First international match: India vs. England, 2013.
- Hosted IPL games for Kings XI Punjab since its inception in 2008.
- First Test Match: India vs. Australia in 2017.
Despite being one of the highest cricket stadiums in the world, it boasts modern facilities that rival larger venues. Its historical importance is rooted in its role in domestic and international cricket.
Location and Accessibility
Located in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, the HPCA Stadium is easily accessible by various means of transport.
- How to Reach:
- By Air: Nearest airport is Kangra Airport, 15 km away.
- By Train: Pathankot Railway Station is the closest major railhead, around 85 km away.
- By Road: Well-connected by buses and taxis from Chandigarh (250 km) and New Delhi (475 km).
- Best Method: Scenic road trips offer stunning views of Himachal Pradesh.
This connectivity makes it convenient for both national and international visitors.
Tourism and Visitor Information
- Best Time to Visit: March to October for pleasant weather and cricket events.
- Accessibility: Located 8 km from Kangra Airport, with good road connectivity.
- Ticket Prices: Range from INR 300 to INR 2,000, depending on the event and seating category.
HPCA Stadium Dharamsala – IPL 2025 Pitch Report Weather and Stats
The Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium in Dharamsala is one of the most picturesque and unique cricket venues in the world. Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, this high-altitude ground offers a rare blend of pace-friendly conditions and batting-friendly bounce, making it a thrilling venue for IPL action.
Pitch Report: Pace, Bounce & Altitude Effects
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Pace and Swing Friendly: The pitch offers extra bounce and pace, especially favorable to fast bowlers who can swing the ball with help from the thin mountain air and cool, breezy conditions.
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Batting Opportunities: Despite the assistance to pacers, the surface is also known for its true bounce and carry, which benefits stroke-making batsmen.
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Altitude Advantage: Due to Dharamsala’s high elevation, lofted shots travel farther, often leading to higher scores and thrilling run-fests.
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Dew Impact: Evening matches often see dew formation, making batting easier in the second innings, though the pitch sometimes aids seamers late in the game.
IPL Pitch Statistics:
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Average First Innings Score: 184
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Average Run Rate: 8.7 runs per over
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Pacer Wickets: ~73%
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Spinner Wickets: ~26%
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Bat First Wins: 8
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Bowl First Wins: 5
Match and Weather Conditions
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Temperature Range: ~20°C during evening matches
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Weather: Generally cool and pleasant, with light northeast winds and rare rainfall during match timings
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Overcast Conditions: Occasionally occur, aiding swing bowlers early in the innings
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Boundary Size: Relatively short, promoting aggressive and high-scoring cricket
IPL Records at HPCA Stadium
| Record | Detail |
|---|---|
| Highest IPL Team Total | 241 runs |
| Notable Teams | Punjab Kings, Lucknow Super Giants |
| Match Trends | High scores, fast-paced matches |
| Wicket Distribution | Pacer-friendly early, batting eases later |
What Makes HPCA Stadium Unique?
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Fast Bowlers’ Paradise: Ideal for seamers with pace, swing, and bounce.
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Altitude-Boosted Scoring: Thin air enhances six-hitting potential.
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Balanced Conditions: Offers fair play to both bowlers and batsmen.
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Weather Strategy: Dew and temperature shifts influence match outcomes.
Major Matches Hosted:
- International Cricket:
- The stadium has hosted Test matches, ODIs, and T20Is.
- It hosted its first Test match in 2017 between India and Australia.
- It has also been a venue for ICC events, including the 2016 ICC World T20.
- Indian Premier League (IPL):
- The stadium is the home ground for the Punjab Kings (formerly Kings XI Punjab) in the IPL.
- It has hosted numerous IPL matches, attracting fans from across the country.
- Domestic Cricket:
- The stadium regularly hosts Ranji Trophy and other domestic matches.
Unique Features of HPCA Stadium
The HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala is a standout among cricket venues due to its blend of stunning natural beauty, innovative design, and modern facilities. Here are the key features that make it unique:
- Standout Features:
- Tibetan-inspired architecture reflecting Dharamshala’s culture.
- Use of ryegrass for year-round pitch maintenance.
- High-altitude location (1,457 meters above sea level) with weather supporting fast bowlers.
- Facilities: Press boxes, modern dressing rooms, and gyms.
- A breathtaking view of snow-clad mountains.
Its high altitude also presents challenges for players, adding to the uniqueness of cricket here.
World-Class Facilities
- Modern dressing rooms, well-equipped gyms, and state-of-the-art press and commentary boxes.
- High-security measures, including CCTV surveillance and metal detectors, ensure safety during high-profile events.
- Spectator amenities such as clean restrooms, food stalls, and ample parking add to the visitor experience.
Cricket Records and Stats
HPCA Stadium has been a witness to many thrilling cricket matches, offering records that are both unique and competitive.
| Format | Matches Played | Highest Score | Lowest Score |
| Tests | 2 | 477 (India vs. England) | 137 (Australia vs. India) |
| ODIs | 5 | 388 (Australia vs. NZ) | 112 (India vs. SL) |
| T20Is | 3 | 200/3 (SA vs. India) | Not Available |
HPCA Stadium also has a rich IPL history, hosting 13 matches where the first-batting team has an edge. Its records are a testament to its unpredictable pitch and weather.
Pitch Report and Playing Conditions
The HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala is renowned for its high-altitude playing conditions and pitch behavior that offers a balanced challenge for batsmen and bowlers. Its distinct location and climate make it a unique venue for international and domestic cricket matches.
- Pitch Highlights:
- Batting-friendly in the first innings.
- Seam-friendly due to altitude and wind.
- Ryegrass ensures smooth fielding but challenging spin.
- Average scores vary: ~259 in Tests, ~228 in ODIs, and ~119 in T20Is.
While it provides a competitive balance between bat and ball, players must adapt to weather and altitude conditions for success.
Upcoming Matches in 2025
While the official schedule for 2025 has not been released, HPCA Stadium is likely to host several high-profile matches, including:
As of early 2025, the confirmed and potential cricket matches scheduled at Greenfield International Stadium include:
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India vs. South Africa, 3rd ODI (Day-Night) on December 6, 2025, as part of South Africa’s tour of India.
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IPL 2025 Matches: While the exact fixtures are yet to be officially announced, Greenfield Stadium is expected to host several IPL matches during the March-April window. The Rajasthan Royals have previously used this venue as a secondary home ground, so they may play some home games here.
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Domestic Tournaments: The stadium will host Ranji Trophy, Vijay Hazare Trophy, and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy matches involving the Kerala cricket team throughout the year.
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Women’s Cricket: Potential matches for the Women’s IPL (WIPL) and international women’s fixtures may also be scheduled here, aligned with the growing prominence of women’s cricket.
Nearby Attractions in Dharamshala
The picturesque town of Dharamshala, home to the HPCA Stadium, is a haven for travelers. Its serene environment, cultural landmarks, and natural beauty make it an ideal destination to explore before or after a cricket match. Here’s a list of top attractions near the stadium that you shouldn’t miss:
- Top Attractions:
- Dalai Lama Temple: Spiritual center in McLeod Ganj.
- Bhagsu Nag Waterfall: A serene natural retreat.
- Kangra Fort: Historical marvel with a panoramic view.
- Triund Trek: Perfect for adventure seekers.
- Norbulingka Institute: Showcase of Tibetan art and culture.
A visit to Dharamshala offers more than just cricket; it’s an immersion into culture and nature.
| Attraction | Distance from HPCA Stadium | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Dalai Lama Temple | ~6 km | Spiritual hub and Tibetan culture |
| Bhagsu Nag Waterfall | ~11 km | Waterfall and sacred Hindu temple |
| Triund Trek Base | ~12 km | Scenic trek with mountain views |
| Kangra Fort | ~20 km | Historical fort with panoramic views |
| Norbulingka Institute | ~13 km | Tibetan art and craft workshops |
| McLeod Ganj Market | ~5 km | Tibetan crafts and cuisine |
| Naddi View Point | ~8 km | Sunset and Dhauladhar range views |
Dharamshala offers a mix of spirituality, adventure, and history, making it an exciting destination for all types of travelers.
Whether you’re exploring Tibetan culture, enjoying nature or delving into history these attractions near the HPCA Stadium enhance your experience of this beautiful town.
Accessibility:
- By Air: The nearest airport is Kangra Airport (Gaggal), about 15 km away.
- By Road: Dharamshala is well-connected by road to major cities like Delhi and Chandigarh.
- By Rail: The nearest railway station is Pathankot, approximately 85 km away.
Conclusion
HPCA Stadium is more than just a cricket venue; it’s an experience that combines sports, culture, and nature. With its breathtaking views, unique pitch conditions, and rich history, it is a bucket-list destination for anyone passionate about cricket or travel. Plan your visit to this cricketing marvel for an unforgettable journey.