Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Overjoyed to be Hosting 2016 World Twenty20 Matches

With the picturesque Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium in Dharamsala all set to host 10 World T20 matches next year, HPCA press secretary Mohit Sood said that it is a proud moment for the state. (India to Clash with Pakistan in Dharamsala on March 19)

"It's a moment of pride and honour that our small state and the HPCA have been allotted eight men's matches and two women's in the upcoming T20 World Cup making Dharamsala one of the biggest and most sought after venues in India," he told reporters in Dharamsala. (2016 ICC World Twenty20 Trophy to Embark on Global Tour)

He said the matches would be lined up from March 9 to 24. (Dharamsala is the Right Place to Host India-Pakistan Tie: Anurag Thakur)

The International Cricket Council (ICC) tournament will be staged across eight venues in India from March 8 to April 3. A total of 58 matches, including 35 men's matches and 23 women's matches, will be played during the 27-day tournament.

Sood said excitement would be high at two matches where arch-rivals India and Pakistan and Australia and New Zealand clash with each other.

He said matches between India and Pakistan have also offered opportunities for cricket diplomacy as a means to improve relations between the two countries by allowing heads of state to exchange visits and cricket fans to watch some high quality action.

"We are expecting a lot of activity -- diplomatically and otherwise - evolved around the matches," he said.

HPCA officials, headed by BJP MP Anurag Thakur said the stadium's popularity soared with the hosting of nine Indian Premier League (IPL) matches, two India-England and India-West Indies ODIs and one Twenty20 match between South Africa and India.

The stadium, 250 km from Shimla, has a 20,400-seating capacity, besides separate practice areas, a club lounge, restaurant, bar and banquet hall.