Stadium Quick Facts (At a Glance) FeatureDetailFull NameHimachal Pradesh Cricket Association StadiumLocationDharamshala, Kangra District, Himachal Pradesh, India [1]Altitude1,457 meters (4,780 feet) above sea level [1]Capacity21,200 (official HPCA figure) [2]Established2003EndsRiver End, College End [3]FloodlightsYes (LED)Home TeamHimachal Pradesh cricket team; Himachal Pradesh women’s cricket teamOperatorHimachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) [2]Test Debut25–29 March 2017 (India vs Australia) [4]ODI Debut27 January 2013 (India vs England) [3]T20I Debut2 October 2015 (India vs South Africa) [3] Where is HPCA Stadium & How to Reach? Location: The stadium is nestled in the foothills of the Dhauladhar range in Dharamshala, Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh, India [1]. Travel Logistics: Nearest Airport: Kangra Airport (Gaggal) – approximately 15 km away. Taxis are readily available. Nearest Railway Station: Pathankot Junction – roughly 85 km from the stadium. Pre-booked cabs or state-run buses cover the scenic 2-hour drive. Road Connectivity: Well-connected via NH 154. Parking facilities are available, though limited on high-traffic match days (early arrival is advised). HPCA Stadium Capacity & Facilities (2026 Update) The stadium’s official seating capacity is 21,200 [2]. The HPCA is exploring expansion, contingent upon preserving the unobstructed mountain view. Infrastructure highlights: SubAir Drainage System: Installed to counter heavy rainfall. During the June 2026 India vs Afghanistan ODI, the system enabled play despite over 12 hours of prior rainfall [5]. Outfield: Known for its fast surface, which—combined with the altitude—reduces ball friction and makes boundaries more accessible for batters. Pitch and Ground Award: The HPCA Stadium received the Pitch and Ground Award in the category for venues hosting up to four matches during IPL 2026 [6]. HPCA Stadium Pitch Report: The Altitude Effect The direct answer: The HPCA pitch historically offers early assistance to fast bowlers (swing and bounce due to the high altitude). However, the 2026 IPL season revealed a shift toward higher scores [7]. Format-wise breakdown: For Pacers: Get significant lateral movement in the early overs. The cool mountain air aids swing. For Batters: The thin air reduces aerodynamic drag, allowing the ball to retain more speed and travel further. According to physicists, the lower air density (approximately 15% less than at sea level) means a well-struck ball faces measurably less deceleration [8]. For Spinners: Historically take a smaller share of wickets here. The lack of rough patches and dew factor in night games limit turn [3]. 2026 Statistical Reality:In the 2026 IPL season, all three league matches at Dharamshala saw teams batting first post totals over 200. The average first-innings score for the season alone reached 211 [7]. Historically, the venue’s IPL average first-innings score is approximately 187 [9]. Check out the highest team totals in cricket history here → Records at Dharamshala Stadium (Tables & Data) To truly understand the venue, you need the hard numbers. Here are the verified records [3][4][7][9]. 1. IPL Records RecordDetailYearHighest Team Total254/5 – Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Gujarat Titans2026 [7]Lowest Team Total116/10 – Kings XI Punjab2011 [9]Highest Individual Score106 – Adam Gilchrist (PBKS) vs RCB2011 [9]Best Bowling Figures4/9 – Amit Mishra (Deccan Chargers)2011 [9]Highest Successful Chase211 – Delhi Capitals vs Punjab Kings2026 [7]Matches Played19 (as of 2026 season)2010–2026Average First-Innings Score~187 (historical)— [9] Explore the MI vs SRH head-to-head standings → 2. ODI Records (at HPCA Stadium) RecordDetailYearHighest Team Total330/6 – India vs West Indies2014 [3]Lowest Team Total112/10 – India vs Sri Lanka2017 [3]Highest World Cup Total388 – Australia vs New Zealand (2023 World Cup)2023 [10]Highest Match Aggregate771 runs – Australia vs New Zealand (World Cup)2023 [10] 3. Test Record Only Test: India vs Australia, 25–29 March 2017 [4] Result: India won by 8 wickets [4] Player of the Match: Ravindra Jadeja [4] Key Performance: Ravindra Jadeja took 5 wickets in Australia’s second innings [4] Learn more about Ravindra Jadeja’s legendary performances → 4. T20I Records RecordDetailBest Bowling Figures4/11 – Paul van Meekeren (Netherlands vs Ireland, 2016 ICC World T20) [3]Matches Played11 [3]Average First-Innings Score137 [3] Explore the most international wickets in cricket history → The Altitude Premium: A Data-Driven Analysis Beyond the scenic visuals lies a significant statistical factor. At 1,457 meters, the air density is approximately 15% lower than at sea-level grounds like Mumbai or Chennai [8]. This alters the game’s physics in observable ways: 1. Reduced Aerodynamic DragA cricket ball moving through thinner air experiences fewer collisions with air molecules. Consequently, a ball bowled at high pace retains more of its initial velocity as it travels toward the batter—subtly reducing reaction times—than it would at a sea-level venue [8]. 2. The Swing TradeoffSwing bowling relies on air density to create pressure differentials. With approximately 15% less air mass, there is less force available to generate lateral movement. Bowlers at high altitude effectively trade sideways swing for sustained straight-line speed. 3. Batting InflationThe reduced drag means well-struck shots carry further. This is widely observed by analysts and players; as Liam Livingstone noted, “The altitude provides a boost for big-hitting batters, with the ball travelling further in the thinner air” [11]. 4. The Toss FactorHistorically, chasing at Dharamshala has been challenging due to early swing. However, dew and the fast outfield have made chasing more viable in recent seasons—as demonstrated by Delhi Capitals‘ record chase of 211 in IPL 2026 [7]. Read more about high-scoring World Cup records → Economic & Tourism Impact Beyond the cricket, the stadium drives significant regional economic activity. According to HPCA Director Sanjay Sharma, high-profile matches have a “direct impact on Dharamshala’s economy” [12]. Key data points [12][13]: Hotel Bookings: IPL matches in Dharamshala have driven a reported surge in hotel bookings, with occupancy rising significantly from typical seasonal averages [13]. Occupancy Rates: Hotel occupancy, typically hovering around 30% in April, sees notable increases during match periods [12]. Regional Spillover: Neighboring towns like Chamunda and Palampur receive bookings during IPL matches in Dharamshala [12]. Infrastructure Impact: HPCA Secretary noted that cricket matches in Dharamshala boost Himachal’s infrastructure and tourism [2]. HPCA officials have emphasized that “the economic and tourism impact is significant, with increased footfall benefiting local businesses, hospitality, and transport sectors” [12]. Discover the timeline of South Africa vs New Zealand clashes → Featured Snippets (Quick Answers) 🏏 What is the HPCA Stadium pitch report for 2026? The HPCA Stadium pitch in Dharamshala offers early assistance to fast bowlers because of its high altitude (1,457 meters). However, during the IPL 2026 season, the venue produced high-scoring matches, with all three league games featuring first-innings totals above 200. The historical IPL average first-innings score is around 187, while the 2026 season average increased to approximately 211. 📊 What is the highest score at HPCA Stadium Dharamshala? The highest IPL total at HPCA Stadium is 254/5, scored by Royal Challengers Bengaluru against Gujarat Titans in IPL 2026 Qualifier 1. In One Day Internationals, the highest team total is 330/6, made by India against West Indies in 2014. 📍 Where is the HPCA Stadium located? The Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium is located in Dharamshala, Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh, India. Situated at an altitude of approximately 1,457 meters (4,780 feet), it is one of the highest international cricket stadiums in the world and offers spectacular views of the Dhauladhar mountain range. 🚗 How to reach HPCA Stadium Dharamshala? The nearest airport is Kangra Airport (Gaggal), located around 15 km from the stadium. The closest major railway station is Pathankot Junction, approximately 85 km away. Visitors can easily reach the stadium by taxi, private cab, or HRTC buses from both transport hubs. 💡 Does HPCA Stadium have floodlights? Yes. HPCA Stadium is equipped with modern LED floodlights, enabling it to host day-night international matches, IPL fixtures, and other major cricket tournaments under lights. FAQ 1. What is the seating capacity of HPCA Stadium? Answer: The stadium has an official seating capacity of 21,200 [2]. 2. Which IPL teams play at HPCA Stadium Dharamshala? Answer: The Himachal Pradesh cricket team represents the venue in domestic cricket. Punjab Kings have used the stadium for selected IPL matches. 3. What is the weather like at Dharamshala Stadium during IPL? Answer: April to May temperatures range between 15°C to 30°C. Evenings are cool, and rain interruptions are possible, though the SubAir system minimizes delays [5]. 4. Are there parking facilities at the stadium? Answer: Yes, designated parking areas exist, but they are limited. For major matches, the HPCA encourages carpooling and utilizing shuttle buses from Dharamshala town. 5. What is the boundary size of the HPCA Stadium? Answer: During the 2023 Cricket World Cup, the straight boundary was set at 70 meters and the square boundary at 64 meters [14]. 6. Has the stadium hosted a World Cup match? Answer: Yes, the HPCA Stadium hosted five matches during the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup, including the Australia vs New Zealand group stage match which produced a tournament-record 771 runs [10]. 7. What is the highest individual score recorded at HPCA Stadium? Answer: In ODIs, Shikhar Dhawan’s 143 against Australia in 2017 is the highest individual score [3]. In the IPL, Adam Gilchrist’s 106 remains the benchmark [9]. Check out the highest Test runs by a batsman → Ticket Booking Information Ticket prices vary by match, format, and seating category. For major matches, tickets are available through: Official IPL website: https://www.iplt20.com District by Zomato platform: https://www.district.in/ Offline: Box offices around the stadium For the most current pricing and availability, check the official ticketing partner before match day. Nearby Hotels & Accommodation Several hotels are located within 5–10 km of the stadium: D’Polo Club & Spa Resort – 5.2 km from HPCA Stadium White Ridge Hotel – 4.6 km from HPCA Stadium Hotel Norbu House (McLeod Ganj) – 6.8 km from HPCA Stadium Heryk Hillview Hotel – 6.9 km from HPCA Stadium Radisson Blu Resort Dharamshala – within the vicinity The Aveda Hotel is located inside the HPCA Stadium complex itself. View the MI vs DC standings → Conclusion: Key Takeaways The HPCA Stadium is a unique venue where altitude, aesthetics, and infrastructure converge to create distinctive playing conditions. What you need to remember: Official capacity is 21,200 – not 23,000; the higher figure is an approximation [2] Altitude matters – air density is ~15% lower than at sea level [8] The pitch has evolved – historically bowler-friendly, recent IPL seasons have seen high scores [7] SubAir changes the risk equation – weather is no longer the dominant variable [5] Economic impact is real – IPL matches drive significant tourism revenue [12][13] Records are verifiable – 254/5 (IPL), 330/6 (ODI), 4/11 (T20I best bowling) [3][7][9] Action strategy: If you’re analyzing cricket through a data lens, Dharamshala is the venue where traditional models need adjustment. The altitude premium, the outfield speed, and the drainage system all point to one conclusion: this venue rewards power-hitting and punishes conventional swing bowling. The numbers are there. The question is whether you’re reading them correctly. Explore more cricket insights → References Wikipedia: Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium – Location & Altitude HPCA Official Website: Stadium Capacity & Operations ESPNcricinfo: HPCA Stadium ODI, T20I & Test Records BCCI / ICC Scorecards: India vs Australia Test Match 2017 News18 / PTI: SubAir Drainage System at HPCA Stadium (June 2026) News18: Pitch and Ground Award – IPL 2026 IPL Official Scorecards: 2026 Season Records (RCB 254/5, DC Chase 211) Scientific / Physics Analysis: Air density effects on cricket ball trajectory (peer-reviewed sports science publications) ESPNcricinfo / IPL Archive: Historical IPL records at Dharamshala (2010–2023) Cricbuzz / ICC: 2023 World Cup Match Records at Dharamshala Player Interview (Liam Livingstone): Quotes on Altitude Effect – Various Media Sources (2023/24) Financial Express / HT: Tourism & Economic Impact of IPL in Dharamshala Hindustan Times: Hotel Occupancy Surge During IPL Matches Sporting News: Boundary Dimensions – 2023 ICC World Cup Last Updated: July 2026Disclaimer: Performance data is sourced from historical BCCI, ICC, and IPL scorecards. Stadium logistics are subject to change based on HPCA scheduling. All statistics have been verified against official sources where available. Read about the most wickets in women’s cricket →Follow the NZ vs ENG test squad updates →Check the India vs West Indies cricket timeline →Review the RR vs DC standings →
