HPCA Cricket Stadium
The HPCA Cricket Stadium (full name: Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, often called Dharamshala Cricket Stadium) is a renowned international cricket venue located in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, India.
Widely regarded as one of the most picturesque cricket stadiums in the world, it sits at an altitude of about 1,457 meters (4,780 feet) above sea level, nestled in the lap of the majestic Dhauladhar mountain range in the Kangra district. The stunning Himalayan backdrop, with snow-capped peaks (especially beautiful when blanketed in snow), lush greenery, and unobstructed views from the stands, makes it a unique and breathtaking location for cricket matches—often compared to iconic venues like Adelaide Oval or Newlands.
Key Details
- Established/Inaugurated: 2003
- Capacity: Approximately 21,200–23,000 spectators (sources vary slightly, but commonly cited around 23,000)
- Owner/Operator: Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA)
- Home To: Himachal Pradesh men’s and women’s cricket teams; also serves as a home ground for the IPL franchise Punjab Kings (formerly Kings XI Punjab) for select matches
- Ends: River End and College End
- Floodlights: Yes (enables day-night matches)
- Pitch Characteristics: Generally batsman-friendly with good pace and bounce due to the altitude; high-scoring potential, dew often plays a role in evening games (teams prefer chasing), and the outfield is fast
It has hosted domestic matches since inception (e.g., Ranji Trophy) and international cricket since 2013, including ODIs, T20Is, Tests, and multiple IPL seasons. Notable events include matches in the 2016 ICC World T20, 2023 Cricket World Cup (e.g., New Zealand vs India), and various IPL games with memorable performances.
Visiting Information
- Location: Jawahar Nagar, Dharamshala, Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh 176215 (near ITI Stadium Road/Civil Line Road)
- Tourist Access: Open to visitors on non-match days (typically 9:30 AM–5:00 PM), with a small entry fee (around ₹30 per person). It’s a popular tourist spot even without a match, thanks to the scenic beauty—many describe it as a “must-see” in Dharamshala.
- Rating: Highly rated (around 4.5/5 from thousands of reviews) for its natural setting and well-maintained facilities.
