The Dharamshala Stadium, named the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium, is one of globally amazing cricket places in India. The stadium, set against the majestic Dhauladhar mountain range, sits approximately 1,457 metres above sea level in Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh. The venue debuted with the IPL in 2010 and held its first international fixture in 2013, a 50-over ODI match where India faced England.
India made Dharamshala a Test venue in 2017 when they hosted the fourth and final Test against Australia. It is a stadium with approximately 21,200 seats, featuring a cool mountain climate and small boundaries. It has hosted all the formats – Test matches, ODIs, T20Is, IPL fixtures, and domestic games. HPCA is also the first stadium of international standard in Himachal Pradesh, and its dramatic Himalayan backdrop sets it apart from any other venue for visiting cricket fans.
Dharamshala Stadium: Overview
Dharamshala Stadium, also known as Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium, is situated in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh. Construction began with laying the foundation stone on March 19, 2002, and was completed with the stadium’s opening in September 2003.
The Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) runs the stadium. The venue hosted its inaugural domestic cricket match later that year in 2003. In March 2005, the ground received its first international touring side when Pakistan played a warm-up game for the board president’s XI. The first match to be held there was an ODI clash between India & England on 27 January 2013. India finished on 226, then England chased the runs down in style to reach 227/3 and win by seven wickets (Ian Bell an unbeaten 113). In March 2017, the stadium hosted its inaugural Test match, with India winning by eight wickets against Australia.
| Attributes | Information |
| Stadium Name | Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium |
| Popular Name | Dharamshala Stadium / HPCA Stadium |
| Location | Dharamshala, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, India |
| Governing Body | Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) |
| Foundation Stone | 19 March 2002 |
| First Match | 23 September 2003 |
| First International Team | Pakistan |
| First International Match | Pakistan vs Board President’s XI, 3–5 March 2005 |
| First ODI | India vs England, 27 January 2013 |
| First T20I | India vs South Africa, 2 October 2015 |
| First Test | India vs Australia, 25–29 March 2017 |
| First IPL Match | Kings XI Punjab vs Deccan Chargers, 16 April 2010 |
| Altitude | Approximately 1,457 metres above sea level |
| Seating Capacity | 21,200 spectators (ICC listing) |
| Boundary Length | Approximately 64 metres |
| IPL Home Team | Punjab Kings |
Dharamshala Stadium History
Dharamshala Stadium’s history began on 19 March 2002 with the laying of the foundation stone of Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium. In 23 September 2003, the first recorded match on the ground. Pakistan’s first international game at the venue was a three-day match in March 2005 against the Board President’s XI.
On 27 January 2013, the first ODI was held at this stadium, where India took on England and lost by seven wickets. The first T20I (in 2015) and Test venue (India beat Australia by eight wickets in 2017) was Dharamshala. Since then, it has hosted a host of international, IPL, and domestic matches and is known for its picturesque Dhauladhar mountain background.
Dharamshala Stadium Dimensions
| Dimensions | Measurement Details |
| Pitch Length | 22 yards (20.12 metres) |
| Pitch Width | 10 feet (3.05 metres) |
| Straight Boundary | Approximately 63-65 metres |
| Square Boundary | Approximately 64 metres |
| Off-Side Boundary | Approximately 64–70 metres |
| Leg-Side Boundary | Approximately 64–70 metres |
| Playing Area | Natural-grass cricket field |
| Boundary Shape | Relatively short square boundaries |
| Stadium Altitude | Approximately 1,457 metres above sea level |
Dharamshala Stadium Pitch Report
The pitch at Dharamshala Stadium is generally a good batting wicket offering pace and bounce, but conditions can favour fast-bowlers particularly early in an innings. The high altitude, cooler weather and regular breeze all help with swing and seam movement at the venue. While the pitch has yielded several run-fests in limited-overs cricket, shorter boundaries afford batters ample scoring range.
Similarly, in Test cricket, the surface may favour both pace and spin as the game moves along. But in terms of Format, weather and preparation, pitch behaviour differs. In general, Dharamshala has a lively surface which is known to aid pace and bounce, and with the atmospheric influence, this could play a part in the contest, frequently prompting captains winning the toss to bowl first, as batting generally becomes much easier later in the game once the early swing subsides.
Dharamshala Stadium Weather Conditions
Being a high-altitude cricket ground, the Dharamshala Stadium has a cooler mountain climate compared to many of its Indian venues. Himachal Tourism says that the summer temperature is between 20°C and 35°C, monsoon temperatures are typically between 18°C and 22°C, while winter has temperatures of around 4 °C to not lower than –3 °C.
Dharamshala gets a decent amount of rain from July to September, and rain plays a significant role. Cloud and wind influences can also result in rapid weather changes in the region.
Dharamshala Stadium Ticket Price
Among the most beautiful cricket stadiums in India, Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium is situated at Dharamshala, backed by the Dhauladhar mountains. Ticket prices at Dharamshala Stadium generally vary according to the match, seating category, and event.
Dharamshala Stadium ticket Prices can fluctuate wildly for important cricketing clashes;
- For example, Punjab Kings’ home clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2026 was said to have tickets starting at approximately ₹2,000; hospitality tickets around ₹8,500; and corporate boxes costing up to ₹40,000.
- In another IPL 2026 game, ticket prices for qualifier 1 had reportedly soared anywhere between ₹3,450 and ₹25,000 as per the stand.
- It has been reported that, on demand, for the India–Afghanistan ODI, tickets were priced at ₹2,000, ₹4,500, ₹6,500, ₹ 10,000, and ₹12,500 in higher categories.
- This means that guests must check the official ticketing platform for updated prices before booking.
Dharamshala Stadium Transport Availability
By Road
Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium is also well connected by road from various towns including Dharamshala, Kangra, McLeod Ganj and many adjacent cities. On match days, local police enforce a strict one-way traffic system around the area. Private and rental cars are not allowed near the stadium gates and are diverted to designated external parking lots.
Traffic outside the stadium can be quite heavy on match days during international and IPL matches, so plan for early arrival. Shared taxis are also available and can be a hassle-free way for visitors to travel together in groups.
By Train
There is no major railway station in Dharamshala. The nearest major broad-gauge station is Pathankot Railway Station, which is a distance of about 85–90 km from Dharamshala. One may avail bus/ taxi from Pathankot to reach Dharamshala. Narrow-gauge stations nearby include Kangra and Nagrota, which are not served in the same capacity as the standard gauge facilities on the Kangra Valley Railway.
By Airport
The closest is Kangra Airport (Gaggal), about 15–20 km from Dharamshala. Just like Indian domestic routes, it operates regular, year-round daily scheduled flights connecting Dharamshala with major hubs like Delhi and Chandigarh. You can find taxis and private cabs available at the airport. Flying directly to Kangra Airport and taking a taxi from there is usually the fastest and easiest way of getting there if you’re travelling from afar.
Dharamsala HPCA Stadium Records
Dharamsala HPCA Stadium is one of the most beautiful and unique cricket grounds in India. The stadium, situated at the foothills of the Dhauladhar mountain range, is home to Test, ODI & T20I and IPL matches. The high altitude, cooler climate, and quick outfield offer fascinating challenges to batsmen as well as bowlers.
Test Records
- The first Test at Dharamshala came in 2017.
- The most famous Test to take place at the venue was India vs England 2024.
- India achieved their highest Test total of 477 runs at the stadium.
- Steve Smith made the highest score in a Test at this venue, 111.
- Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin also bowled brilliantly, finishing with 5 wickets for 77 runs.
ODI Records
- The highest ODI total at Dharamshala, when Australia piled on 388 runs against New Zealand.
- In terms of the highest individual ODI score at this venue, England have also piled up the runs, with Dawid Malan holding the record for the best individual score of 140.
- Boundaries were scored sometimes with relative ease due to the quick outfield.
T20I Records
- Dharamshala has also seen some memorable matches in the T20I contest.
- With one of the biggest T20I totals in history at the ground, South Africa finished on 200/3 against India.
- One of the notable individual T20I innings at the venue was a brilliant 106 runs from Rohit Sharma.
IPL Records
The stadium has also hosted live IPL matches like Punjab Kings versus Other Teams. High-scoring matches, crazy batting, and bowling spell performances have been seen here. The location and crowd during IPL matches here are also a big draw due to the scenic surroundings.
Dharamsala HPCA Stadium Stats
| Format | Matches | Highest Team Score | Lowest Team Score | Highest Individual |
| Test | 2 | 477 – India | 137 – Australia | 111 – Steve Smith |
| ODI | 10 | 388 – Australia | 112 – India | 140 – Dawid Malan |
| T20I | 12 | 200/3 – South Africa | 117 – South Africa | 106 – Rohit Sharma |
| Highest Test score: India – 477 vs England (2024) |
| Highest ODI score: Australia – 388 vs New Zealand (2023) |
| Highest T20I score: South Africa – 200/3 vs India (2015) |
| Highest individual Test score: Steve Smith – 111 |
| Highest individual ODI score: Dawid Malan – 140 |
| Highest individual T20I score: Rohit Sharma – 106 |
| Highest IPL total: Royal Challengers Bengaluru – 254/5 (2026) |
Note: Dharamsala HPCA Stadium Stats updated as of October 7, 2026,
Dharamsala HPCA Stadium Upcoming Matches
| Tournament / Series | Event Details | Date / Window |
| Ranji Trophy 2026–27 | Himachal Pradesh vs. Rajasthan | Nov 02 – 05, 2026 |
| Ranji Trophy 2026–27 | Himachal Pradesh vs. Uttarakhand | Jan 24 – 27, 2027 |
| Ranji Trophy 2026–27 | Himachal Pradesh vs. Railways | Feb 01 – 04, 2027 |
| IPL 2027 League Stage | Punjab Kings vs. TBA (Home Fixture 1) | May 2027 |
| IPL 2027 League Stage | Punjab Kings vs. TBA (Home Fixture 2) | May 2027 |
| IPL 2027 League Stage | Punjab Kings vs. TBA (Home Fixture 3) | May 2027 |
| IPL 2027 Knockout Leg | TBD vs. TBD (Potential Playoff Tie) | May 2027 |
Note: Dharamsala HPCA Stadium upcoming match updates as of October, 7, 2026.
Conclusion
The Dharamshala stadium is a well-known cricket ground and provides an international-level historic mountain background. The first stone was laid on 6 March 2002, and the inaugural high-profile match was played in March 2005 (featuring the touring Pakistan national Team). And the stadium sits at an altitude of almost 1,457 metres, with the Dhauladhar mountain range as its backdrop. It has floodlighting facilities and a capacity which is widely reported to be in the 23,000-seat range.
The first ODI at the venue was in 2013, and a Test match there came only in 2017. It has also hosted five matches in the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup. The HPCA Stadium combines modern cricket facilities, practice areas and scenic surroundings to create a piece of architecture that is firmly rooted in its sporting function, as it is in the surrounding environment.
FAQs
It is situated in Dharamshala, Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, India.
The stadium has a capacity of around 23,000 fans.
The Dhauladhar mountain range gives it a unique backdrop at an elevation of approximately 1,457 metres above sea level.
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