Anurag Singh Thakur Rings the Bell to Inaugurate the ODI Match
As the first rays of the sun pierced through the clouds over the snow-capped Dhauladhar range this evening, thousands of cricket lovers breathed a sigh of relief. After heavy overnight rain in Dharamshala, doubts had arisen over the hosting of the much-anticipated ODI international between India and Afghanistan. But once again, the blessings of the local deity, Lord Indru Nag, and the excellent preparations by the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) proved why the world-famous HPCA Cricket Stadium in Dharamshala is counted among the most beautiful and professionally managed cricket venues in the world. Getting the match started within just half an hour of the rain stopping was nothing short of remarkable. Former BCCI President, former Union Minister and Hamirpur MP, Shri Anurag Singh Thakur, rang the bell to mark the start of the match.
The HPCA Stadium, renowned for its stunning Himalayan backdrop, has carved a unique identity not only for its natural beauty but also for its world-class infrastructure and excellent operational capability. The statistics speak for themselves. Out of 26 international matches held here so far, 22 have been successfully completed, while 18 out of 19 IPL matches played here have produced a result. This achievement is extraordinary for a hilly region with rapidly changing weather.
The credit for today’s match preparations goes to the HPCA’s leadership, management, dedicated ground staff, and the modern technical facilities available at the stadium. Using the state-of-the-art SIS turf management technology, effective sub-surface drainage system, modern super soppers, moppers, and special ground equipment, the ground staff worked tirelessly throughout the night and into the early morning hours. Thanks to their efforts, the ground, soaked by three days of rain, was made completely match-ready in an exceptionally short time.
For cricket lovers who have arrived in Dharamshala from across the country and abroad, the scene is nothing short of a celebration. The lush green outfield, glistening against the backdrop of the freshly snow-covered Dhauladhar peaks, presents a unique and enchanting atmosphere for international cricket. This confluence of emerald-green field and silver-glinting mountain peaks once again demonstrates why Dharamshala is considered among the most beautiful cricket stadiums in the world.
The excitement for the match is at its peak also because India’s biggest cricket stars – including former captain Rohit Sharma, captain Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, Arshdeep Singh, and several other international players – remain the center of attraction for fans. Hotels, cafes, homestays, markets, and transport services in Dharamshala and the Kangra region are bustling with the influx of spectators. This is clear evidence of the renewed energy the match brings to the region’s economy and tourism through cricket.
Beyond the boundary lines and scorecard, the sentiment attached to today’s match is very special. For the spectators, it is the joy of watching international cricket in the lap of the Himalayas. For the players, it is the pride of playing at one of the world’s most iconic and beautiful cricket venues. And for the HPCA family, it is a proud moment reflecting years of investment, planning, dedication, and the commitment to develop a world-class sports destination in Himachal Pradesh.
As spectators flock to the stadium and the tricolor flutters beneath the lofty peaks of the Dhauladhar, Dharamshala is fully poised to add another unforgettable chapter to its cricketing history.
Today, the Dhauladhar range is not merely the backdrop to this contest but has become an integral part of this grand cricket festival itself.
