HPCA fully prepared to host three IPL matches

The Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) is fully prepared to host three IPL matches allotted to its Dharamsala cricket Stadium.

The Kings XI Punjab would take on Delhi Daredevils on May 15, Royal Challengers on May 17 and Deccan Chargers on May 21 and all arrangements including comfortable stay of teams and official had been made, HPCA, president Anurag Thakur said.

"The preparations are in full swing to hold the three matches later this month and an investment of over Rs 100 crore has been made on the stadium, luxurious residential complex and the Pavilion," Thakur said, adding that he was confident that everything would be smooth.

He said that certainly, there was problem of good hotel accommodation as VVIPs and celebrities like Mukesh Ambani, film stars, leading cricketers have expressed their desire to come to Dharamsala for IPL matches.

Most of the star hotels in Dharamsala, Palampur and adjoining areas have been booked and accommodating more guests in this region is a difficult task.

Referring to the reported comments of Union minister Virbhadra Singh on leasing of land to HPCA for Hotel and Club, he said that due to logistic and security problems, hotel accommodation for teams near the stadium would be a necessity as making arrangements for stay at distant places would not be feasible.

"Since players and their sponsors travel by chartered flights, direct connectivity with major cities was a pre -requisite and as such efforts are being made to persuade the Union Civil Aviation ministry for expansion of Kangra Airport," he added.

For accommodation of the players, the HPCA has constructed 72-rooms while there was provision of only 36 log huts during the last season.

The stadium had also attracted the attention of former team India coach Gary Kirsten, who had expressed his desire to hold a training camp at Dharamsala during his farewell function, Anurag said.