HPCA Stadium, officially known as the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, is one of India’s most distinctive international cricket venues. Located in Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh’s Kangra district, the stadium is famous not only for cricket but also for its spectacular setting against the Dhauladhar mountain range.
The venue has developed into an important multi-format cricket ground, hosting Tests, ODIs, T20Is, IPL matches and ICC tournament fixtures. It became an international venue when India played England in an ODI in January 2013 and hosted its first Test between India and Australia in March 2017. The stadium’s high-altitude location, cool conditions, breeze and relatively short boundaries can make matches here particularly interesting. The venue was also part of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, hosting five league matches, including India’s game against New Zealand.
HPCA Stadium Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
| Stadium Name | HPCA Stadium |
| Full Name | Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium |
| Also Known As | Dharamshala Cricket Stadium |
| Location | Dharamshala, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh |
| Country | India |
| Stadium Type | Cricket Stadium |
| Capacity | About 21,200 |
| Altitude | About 1,457 metres above sea level |
| Governing Association | Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association |
| First ODI | India vs England, 2013 |
| First Test | India vs Australia, 2017 |
| First T20I | India vs South Africa, 2015 |
| IPL Debut | 2010 |
| Major Tournament | ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 |
HPCA Stadium Location and Address
HPCA Stadium is located in Dharamshala, in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, northern India. The stadium sits in a hill-station environment with views of the Dhauladhar range. The official HPCA website identifies the venue as Dharamshala Cricket Stadium, Dharamshala, District Kangra, Himachal Pradesh.
HPCA Stadium Location
The stadium’s location is one of its biggest distinguishing features. Unlike many major Indian cricket grounds situated in densely populated cities, HPCA Stadium is surrounded by the Himalayan landscape. It is situated at approximately 1,457 metres above sea level, making its altitude an important part of the venue’s playing conditions. The ICC has highlighted the stadium’s mountain backdrop, short boundary dimensions and open stands as notable characteristics of the ground.
HPCA Stadium Address
HPCA Cricket Stadium, Dharamshala, District Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, India. The stadium is also associated with nearby attractions such as McLeod Ganj, Dal Lake and other popular Dharamshala tourist destinations.
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HPCA Stadium History
The history of HPCA Stadium is closely connected with the development of cricket in Himachal Pradesh. The Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association was formed in 1960 and later received affiliation from the BCCI in 1984. According to HPCA’s own history, the association received approximately 16 acres of land in Dharamshala in 2002, after which development of the stadium began.
Construction of the Dharamshala Cricket Stadium began during the early 2000s. The venue subsequently developed into a modern cricket facility with practice areas, dressing rooms, a gymnasium, media facilities and other infrastructure. Before hosting regular international cricket, the stadium had already staged several important domestic and representative matches. HPCA records mention visits by Pakistan, Australia Under-19 and South Africa A teams among the early notable fixtures.
Major HPCA Stadium Milestones
| Year | Milestone |
| 1960 | Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association formed |
| 1984 | HPCA affiliated with BCCI |
| 2002 | Land for the stadium was allotted |
| 2003 | Stadium construction period began |
| 2010 | Venue hosted its first IPL match |
| 2013 | First ODI at the stadium |
| 2015 | First T20I at the stadium |
| 2017 | First Test match |
| 2023 | Hosted ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup matches |
| 2024 | Hosted India vs England Test |
| 2026 | Continued hosting major domestic and IPL cricket |
HPCA Stadium Capacity
The current BCCI venue listing gives HPCA Stadium a capacity of approximately 21,200 spectators. Older HPCA information describes the stadium as having a capacity of about 25,000, which explains why different websites may show different figures. For an updated article, it is better to use the BCCI figure and mention that published capacities can vary.
HPCA Stadium Capacity at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
| Current BCCI-listed capacity | 21,200 |
| Older HPCA-published figure | About 25,000 |
| Seating style | Open and covered sections |
| Corporate facilities | Available |
| Press facilities | Available |
| Practice areas | Available |
| Indoor facilities | Available |
The stadium’s relatively compact layout means spectators can get a close view of the action. The ICC has also noted the venue’s approximately 64-metre boundary, although boundary dimensions can vary depending on match configuration.
HPCA Stadium Pitch Report
The HPCA Stadium pitch report is often discussed because Dharamshala’s conditions are different from those at many low-altitude Indian venues. The combination of altitude, cool weather, breeze and the characteristics of the surface can give fast bowlers assistance, particularly with the new ball. At the same time, short boundaries can reward aggressive batting once batters settle in. The ICC has specifically noted that the breeze through the open stands can aid swing bowling, while the short boundaries can make the ground difficult to defend when the batting side gets momentum.
HPCA Stadium Pitch: Batting vs Bowling
| Factor | Typical Characteristics |
| Batting | Can become good for stroke-making once settled |
| Fast Bowling | New-ball movement can be important |
| Swing | Cool, breezy conditions may assist swing |
| Spin Bowling | Effect varies with surface and match conditions |
| New Ball | Often an important phase for bowlers |
| Death Overs | Short boundaries can favour attacking batting |
| Outfield | Generally conducive to quick scoring |
| Toss | Match conditions should be assessed rather than relying on a fixed rule |
It would be misleading to call HPCA Stadium simply a “batting pitch” or “bowling pitch.” Conditions can change according to format, weather, pitch preparation and match timing.
HPCA Stadium Weather and Playing Conditions
Weather is an important part of cricket at Dharamshala.Because the stadium is located at a relatively high altitude, conditions can be noticeably cooler than in many Indian cricket cities. Cloud cover and breeze can influence the new-ball phase, while evening temperatures can fall considerably.
The ICC’s venue information specifically notes that the stadium can become chilly after sunset.
Factors That Can Influence Matches
- Cool temperatures
- Cloud cover
- Mountain breeze
- Possible rain interruptions
- New-ball movement
- Evening conditions
- Dew during suitable night matches
- Short boundaries
HPCA Stadium International Matches
HPCA Stadium has hosted all three major men’s international formats: Tests, ODIs and T20Is. The first ODI at the venue was played between India and England in January 2013. The first Test came in March 2017 when India played Australia, while the first T20I was played between India and South Africa in October 2015.
International Matches at HPCA Stadium
| Year | Format | Teams | Important Result/Event |
| 2013 | ODI | India vs England | England won |
| 2014 | ODI | India vs West Indies | India scored 330/6 |
| 2015 | T20I | India vs South Africa | South Africa won a high-scoring game |
| 2016 | T20I | India vs Bangladesh/Oman-related tournament fixtures | Venue hosted World T20 matches |
| 2017 | Test | India vs Australia | India won |
| 2017 | ODI | India vs Sri Lanka | Sri Lanka won |
| 2023 | ODI | Multiple World Cup teams | Five World Cup matches |
| 2024 | Test | India vs England | India won |
| 2025–26 | International cricket | Various teams | Continued international use |
HPCA Stadium Records
HPCA Stadium has produced several notable records across formats. Its ODI history became particularly high-scoring during the 2023 World Cup. According to current venue statistics, the ground has hosted two Tests, 10 ODIs and 12 T20Is in the records available through current cricket databases.
HPCA Stadium Test Records
| Record | Performance |
| Highest team total | 477/10 – India vs England |
| Lowest team total | 137 – Australia vs India |
| Highest individual score | Steve Smith – 111 |
| Notable best bowling | Five-wicket hauls recorded by multiple bowlers |
| First Test | India vs Australia, 2017 |
HPCA Stadium ODI Records
| Record | Performance |
| Highest team total | 388 – Australia vs New Zealand |
| Second-highest listed total | 383/9 – New Zealand vs Australia |
| Lowest team total | 112 – India vs Sri Lanka |
| Highest individual score | 140 – Dawid Malan |
| Notable India score | 330/6 – India vs West Indies |
| Highest successful chase | 274/6 – India vs New Zealand |
Australia’s 388 against New Zealand during the 2023 World Cup is currently the highest ODI total recorded at the venue.
HPCA Stadium T20I Records
| Record | Performance |
| Highest team total | 200/3 – South Africa vs India |
| Highest individual score | 106 – Rohit Sharma |
| Notable successful chase | South Africa chased 200 |
| First T20I | India vs South Africa, 2015 |
South Africa’s 200/3 against India in 2015 remains a landmark T20I performance at the venue, while Rohit Sharma’s 106 is the highest individual T20I score listed for HPCA Stadium.
HPCA Stadium IPL Matches
HPCA Stadium has been associated with the IPL since 2010 and has become an important home venue for Punjab Kings for selected fixtures. The ground’s short boundaries and generally good scoring conditions can produce entertaining T20 matches. Recent IPL matches have demonstrated that substantial totals can be chased successfully. In IPL 2026, Delhi Capitals chased 211 against Punjab Kings at Dharamshala, which the IPL described as the highest successful chase at the stadium in the tournament’s history at that point. Mumbai Indians also chased 201 against Punjab Kings at the venue during IPL 2026.
HPCA Stadium IPL Records
| Record | Player/Team | Performance |
| Major high-scoring total | Punjab Kings | 210/5 vs Delhi Capitals, 2026 |
| Successful chase highlighted by IPL | Delhi Capitals | 211 chased vs PBKS, 2026 |
| Another major chase | Mumbai Indians | 201 chased vs PBKS, 2026 |
| Historic IPL association | Punjab Kings | Regular home fixtures at Dharamshala |
IPL statistics should be refreshed after every season because the records at an active venue can change quickly.
HPCA Stadium World Cup Matches
HPCA Stadium was one of the venues for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023.
The tournament schedule originally listed five matches at Dharamshala:
| Date | Match |
| October 7, 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 |
HPCA Stadium Facilities
HPCA Stadium was developed as a modern cricket facility rather than simply a playing field. According to the official HPCA website, its listed facilities include a gym, indoor stadium, corporate boxes, hotel, practice area and rooms.
Major Facilities
- Spectator seating
- Corporate boxes
- Practice areas
- Indoor practice facilities
- Gymnasium
- Dressing rooms
- Media facilities
- Accommodation rooms
- Hotel facilities
- Match-day security
- Food and refreshment areas
- Parking arrangements
HPCA’s own historical information also describes separate indoor and outdoor practice areas, dressing rooms, irrigation facilities, a press gallery and commentator boxes. The stadium’s accommodation facilities include features such as Wi-Fi, television, room service and other amenities in designated rooms.
HPCA Stadium Tickets
Ticket availability and prices depend on the match, tournament and seating category. For major international and IPL games, tickets are generally distributed through the official event or authorized ticketing platform. The ticketing process can change from one competition to another.
Before Buying HPCA Stadium Tickets
Check:
- Official ticketing partner
- Match date and start time
- Ticket category
- Gate information
- ID requirements
- Entry restrictions
- Stadium-specific rules
- Refund or cancellation policy
For the 2023 World Cup, for example, ICC announced ticket sales for India’s Dharamshala match through the tournament’s official ticketing website. Because ticket prices change frequently, it is better not to publish a permanent price table unless it is updated for a specific match.
Hotels Near HPCA Stadium
Dharamshala and McLeod Ganj offer a wide range of accommodation, from budget guesthouses to premium hotels.
| Hotel/Stay | Approx. Distance | Price Range | Best For |
| Hotels in Dharamshala | Short drive | Budget–Premium | Cricket visitors |
| Hotels around McLeod Ganj | Short/medium drive | Budget–Premium | Tourists |
| Hotels near Stadium Road | Nearby | Budget–Mid-range | Match visitors |
| Resorts around Dharamshala | Varies | Mid-range–Luxury | Families |
Tourist Attractions Near HPCA Stadium
One reason visitors combine a cricket match with a Dharamshala trip is the large number of attractions around the city.
Popular places include:
- McLeod Ganj
- Dal Lake
- Bhagsu Waterfall
- Kangra Fort
- Dharamshala town
- Dhauladhar mountain viewpoints
- Tsuglagkhang Complex
- Triund trekking area
The stadium itself is particularly scenic because of its location in the Himalayan foothills.
HPCA Stadium vs Other Indian Cricket Stadiums
The following comparison uses current/published venue capacities and is intended to show the difference in scale rather than rank the grounds.
| Stadium | City | Approx. Capacity | Location/Feature | Major Formats |
| HPCA Stadium | Dharamshala | 21,200 | Himalayan hill setting | Test, ODI, T20I, IPL |
| Wankhede Stadium | Mumbai | 33,100 | Central Mumbai | Test, ODI, T20I, IPL |
| Eden Gardens | Kolkata | 68,000 | Kolkata | Test, ODI, T20I, IPL |
| Narendra Modi Stadium | Ahmedabad | 132,000 | Ahmedabad | Test, ODI, T20I, IPL |
BCCI currently lists HPCA Stadium at 21,200, Wankhede at 33,100 and Eden Gardens at 68,000. Narendra Modi Stadium has a capacity of about 132,000.
Why HPCA Stadium Is Unique
Several characteristics make HPCA Stadium different from conventional Indian cricket grounds.
Himalayan Backdrop
The Dhauladhar range provides a dramatic backdrop, making the stadium visually distinctive.
High-Altitude Location
At approximately 1,457 metres above sea level, Dharamshala provides playing conditions that differ from those at lower-altitude venues.
Short Boundaries
The approximately 64-metre boundary mentioned by the ICC can reward aggressive stroke play.
Cool Conditions
Cool weather and mountain breezes can influence swing and seam bowling.
Multi-Format Cricket
The stadium has hosted Tests, ODIs, T20Is, IPL games and World Cup fixtures, giving it a broad cricketing profile.
Scenic Cricket Venue
The combination of international cricket and mountain scenery has made Dharamshala a popular destination for cricket fans.
HPCA Stadium Upcoming Matches
The upcoming-match section should be updated regularly because cricket schedules can change.
Readers looking for the latest HPCA Stadium matches should check:
- Upcoming international fixtures
- IPL schedule
- Domestic matches
- Himachal Pradesh fixtures
- Official HPCA announcements
- BCCI and IPL schedules
Conclusion
HPCA Stadium is more than just a cricket ground. Located in Dharamshala against the Dhauladhar mountain range, it combines international cricket with a distinctive Himalayan setting. The stadium has developed significantly since its construction and has progressed from hosting domestic and representative cricket to becoming a venue for Tests, ODIs, T20Is, IPL matches and ICC World Cup games. Its first ODI came in 2013, its first Test in 2017, and it became one of the venues for the 2023 ODI World Cup.
For cricket fans, the combination of altitude, cool weather, mountain breeze and relatively short boundaries makes the HPCA Stadium pitch report particularly interesting before every match. At the same time, its facilities and tourist-friendly location make Dharamshala an attractive destination for visitors attending cricket matches.
FAQs
1.What is the full name of HPCA Stadium?
The full name is Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium. It is also commonly called Dharamshala Cricket Stadium.
2.Where is HPCA Stadium located?
HPCA Stadium is located in Dharamshala, Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh, India.
3.What is the capacity of HPCA Stadium?
The current BCCI venue listing gives the stadium a capacity of approximately 21,200 spectators.
4.Is HPCA Stadium the same as Dharamshala Cricket Stadium?
Yes. Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, HPCA Stadium and Dharamshala Cricket Stadium refer to the same venue.
5.Who owns or operates HPCA Stadium?
The stadium is operated by the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA).
6.What is the HPCA Stadium pitch like?
The pitch can offer assistance to fast bowlers, especially under cool or breezy conditions, while its relatively short boundaries can help batters score quickly once they settle.
