ODI World Cup 2023 Venues: Dharamsala Stadium Capacity, WC Schedule, Pitch & More

The ICC ODI World Cup is returning to India, and the ardent cricket fans are ecstatic as ever. It will be a bejewelled spectacle for the country that has a massive cricket fanbase, no matter the team. The tournament will host some of the top-tier cricket teams of the World and will be played in various parts of India. Ahead of the mega cricketing spectacle, take a look at one of the venues of the highly-anticipated tournament and what makes it so distinct from the others. 

With the tournament fast approaching, all eyes will remain on Rohit Sharma and his team, who have been showcasing some positive signs in the past few games. Team India has some top-tier matches on the list, one of them being against New Zealand. The IND-NZ match will take place at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium, and we will take a look at one of India's favourite cricket venues.

ICC ODI World Cup 2023 games in Dharamsala

• October 07, 2023: Bangladesh vs Afghanistan
• October 10, 2023: England vs Bangladesh
• October 17, 2023: South Africa vs Netherlands 
• October 22, 2023: India vs New Zealand 
• October 28, 2023: Australia vs New Zealand

History of the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium, Dharmasala

Every visitor will have nothing less than appreciative words for the iconic HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, the venue stands at an altitude of 1317 metres above sea level. Also dubbed as the most beautiful stadium in India, the breathtaking views give direct competition to venues like the Newlands in Cape Town. The Dharamsala Stadium was built in the year 2003 and is operated by the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association. The venue hosted the first-ever match in 2005 when Pakistan had a warm-up match against India.

The venue then hosted its first ODI match in 2013 when England went against India. The stadium had some historical recognition, as it was the first venue to use winter ryegrass. The Tibetan culture had a great influence on the stadium's design and architecture. The venue is relatively small, but the scenic beauty and grandeur advantages make it one of the premier cricket venues in India.

Also Read: ODI World Cup 2023 Venues: Ekana International Stadium Capacity, WC Schedule, Pitch & More

Features & facilities at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium, Dharmasala

• A seating capacity of 23,000
• Scenic view the Dauladhar hills range
• The Ground's openness & small stands allow a unique fast bowler advantage
• 17 hospitality boxes with proper TV sets, food and drinks
• Practice facilities with ten relaid pitches & floodlight facilities, including an indoor pitch, gymnasium and rehab centre
• The venue hosts four LED towers with 400 LED fixtures and a backup generator facility
• Dressing rooms with comfortable seats & dedicated lockers
• Two Ends, River End and College End

[Image: BCCI]

Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium, Dharmasala Pitch

Three of the nine pitches at the HPCA Stadium have been readied for the World Cup. The players, particularly bowlers, have long held the pitches in high regard. The most thrilling aspect of Dharamsala is its pitching, which has a tremendous bounce thanks to the black soil and wind advantages. Anti-dew spray takes care of the dew issue. The pitch at HPCA Stadium is great for batters, although it also benefits fast bowlers early in an innings.

Also Read: ODI World Cup 2023 Venues: Eden Gardens, Kolkata, Capacity, WC Schedule, Pitch & More

Drainage system at Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium, Dharmasala

The drainage structure at the HPCA Stadium is first-rate. It can quickly expel any volume of water using an air evacuation system. Additionally, it enables aeration of the grass's roots, preserving its wellness at all times. Considering that Dharamsala is mostly a cold-weather region, Ryegrass was chosen for the pitch. It is overseeded with heat- and shade-tolerant grass-type paspalum to resist the summer heat.

ODI statistics of Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium, Dharmasala

[Image: BCCI]

Here's how the pitch will favour India in their match against New Zealand

Given the unusual bounce capabilities and windy advantage of the pitch, Indian fast bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Mohammed Shami, and Hardik Pandya would have a competitive edge against the New Zealand batting unit. The Rohit Sharma-led team, on the other hand, may have to be wary of Trent Boult and Lockie Ferguson's spell. If the hosts can complete 20 overs without losing any major wickets, they will be set for the rest of the innings. A loss of wickets within the power play, on the other hand, might cost Team India dearly.

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