HPCA reviews Dharamsala stadium ahead of PBKS vs DC after match was halted midway last season

The Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) on Saturday convened a meeting to review arrangements ahead of the Indian Premier League matches at Dharamsala, focusing on logistical planning and inter-agency coordination.

The meeting was attended by officials from the Kangra district administration led by the Deputy Commissioner, representatives of Punjab Kings, and members of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

Dharamsala, the second venue of Punjab Kings after Mullanpur, will host three league-matches of PBKS next month and which are against Delhi Capitals on May 11, against Mumbai Indians on May 14 and against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on May 17.

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“The HPCA Stadium, situated against the backdrop of Dhauladhar mountain range, is among the highest-altitude international cricket venues. A total of 14 IPL matches have been played here up to the 2025 season, with the first match hosted on April 16, 2010,” said the Deputy Commissioner.

According to ground officials, the pitch will offer good pace and bounce, paving away for an equal battle between bat and ball. Punjab Kings has played 14 matches at this venue, winning five, losing eight and one match ended without a result.

The May 11 fixture between PBKS and DC will be the first IPL match at the venue since the same fixture was halted midway last season following reports of drone incursions within a 100-kilometre radius.

IPL chairman Arun Dhumal, present at the venue, was seen assisting officials and spectators in vacating the premises, stepping in during a situation the tournament had never faced before.

Published on Apr 25, 2026