From Hillside to Cricket Haven: Shimla’s First Full-Sized Ground Built by Locals
Shimla, one of India’s most beloved hill stations, has long dreamed of a proper cricket ground. For decades, promises from the government and the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association never materialized. But while official plans stalled, three local friends quietly turned that dream into reality — building a professional cricket ground with their own vision, effort, and resources.
Passion Over Promises
Located near Mehli on Shimla’s outskirts, the new ground is the brainchild of cricket enthusiasts Ajay Thakur, Abhay Thakur, and Veenu Diwan. Their project, set to be inaugurated this December, is already being hailed as a landmark achievement for the city.
A Ground Carved Out of a Mountain
- The trio purchased 90 bigha of steep hillside land with a 45-degree slope.
- Over 70,000 tipper-loads of debris were cleared to level the site.
- Retaining walls up to 40 feet high were built to stabilize the terrain.
- The final field measures 91 metres wide and 120 metres long, meeting professional standards.
- The lush surface is laid with American grass, giving Shimla a world-class cricketing arena.
Filling a Longstanding Void
For years, locals wondered why Shimla — with its tourism appeal and sporting culture — never got a proper ground. Government proposals and cricket association plans remained stuck on paper. This private initiative has finally filled that gap.
Ajay Thakur summed it up simply: “This was a dream we carried for years. If institutions couldn’t build it, we felt we must.”
What’s Next
- The ground will host Pro HPCL Season 4 this April, even before its grand opening.
- Plans are underway to establish a cricket academy, nurturing young talent from Shimla and nearby districts.
More Than Just a Ground
This project is more than infrastructure — it’s a symbol of vision, persistence, and local passion. From a steep hillside to a sprawling green arena, it shows what determined individuals can achieve when institutions fall short. For Shimla, it marks not just a new cricket ground, but a new beginning for the sport in the hills.
