The Dharamsala Stadium, located in Dharamsala, is also known as the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium, and it is one of the most beautiful cricket stadiums in India. The spectacular mountain scenery of the Himalayas, the cool weather, and the playing conditions that are advantageous to fast bowlers are all reasons why the stadium is well known. It has since been opened in 2003 and the venue has hosted Test matches, ODI matches, T20I matches, and Indian Premier League (IPL) matches. Its high altitude, grassy surface and vibrant atmosphere makes it an important venue for Indian cricket. In cool and overcast conditions, fast bowlers will find that swing and seam movement will help. In the meantime, the altitude of the ground and an outfield that is not too large can help the batsmen score boundaries faster.
Dharamshala Stadium Overview
Dharamshala Stadium is located at the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. The ground is administered by the HPCA, a very important cricket venue in the state of Himachal Pradesh and belongs to the Punjab kings in the IPL.
The stadium opened in 2003 and the first ODI match was played in January 2013, when England beat India seven wickets to seven in the match. It played its inaugural T20I in October 2015, and its first Test game between India and Australia in March 2017.
| Stadium Information | Details |
| Stadium Name | Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium |
| Popular Name | Dharamshala Stadium / HPCA Stadium |
| Location | Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, India |
| Established | 2003 |
| Owned/Managed By | Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association |
| Capacity | Approximately 21,200 |
| Country | India |
| Domestic Home Team | Himachal Pradesh |
| IPL Home Team | Punjab Kings |
| International Home Team | India |
| Floodlights | Yes |
| First ODI | India vs England, 27 January 2013 |
| First Men’s T20I | India vs South Africa, 2 October 2015 |
| First Test | India vs Australia, March 2017 |
| Test Matches Hosted | 2 |
| ODI Matches Hosted | Around 10 |
| Men’s T20I Matches Hosted | Around 12 |
| Main Ends | River End and College End |
| Cricket Association | Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association |
| Pitch Surface | Grass-covered surface |
| Playing Conditions | Often helpful for fast bowlers; can also support batting |
| Major Use | International cricket and IPL |
| Major Tournament | ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 |
| Stadium Type | International cricket stadium |
| City | Dharamshala |
| State | Himachal Pradesh |
| Elevation | Approximately 1,200 metres above sea level |
History of Dharamshala Stadium
In 2003, Dharamshala Stadium was opened for use under the banner of the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association. It was soon known as one of the world’s most recognisable cricket grounds, thanks to its position in the foothills of the Himalayas.
The first ODI at the stadium was against India on 27 January 2013 when England won by seven wickets. This was its first match in international cricket. The ground then went on to develop into a premier international limited-overs venue and home to home cricket matches.
Dharamshala was also the venue of the first T20I between India and South Africa in the month of October 2015. South Africa opened the scoring at 200/3 and went on to chase down India’s 250 to claim the seven wickets victory. The match showed how the conditions at the venue could aid in aggressive batting, something which it was associated with helping fast bowlers.
In March 2017, Dharamshala saw its maiden Test match in March when Indian toured Australia. India had restricted Australia to 8 wickets in the second innings and went on to complete a successful run to victory. In March 2024, the ground saw yet another Test match, this time between India & England, in which the former won by 64 runs and an innings.
The ICC World Cup for men in 2023 added even more good publicity for the stadium. In one of the highest-scoring matches at the venue, Australia beat New Zealand by 388 runs. India, too, also followed a path that could be followed in cricket; it can produce competitive batting conditions and at the same time help pace bowlers as well, with a score of 274 off the New Zealanders.
| Historical Event | Details |
| Established | 2003 |
| First ODI | India vs England, 2013 |
| First Men’s T20I | India vs South Africa, 2015 |
| First Test | India vs Australia, 2017 |
| Famous ODI | Australia scored 388 against New Zealand in 2023 |
| Memorable Chase | India chased 274 against New Zealand in 2023 |
| Major Test Match | India vs England, March 2024 |
| Major Role | International cricket and IPL |
Dharamshala Stadium Pitch Report
Overall the Dharamshala Stadium pitch is a middle class ballfield suited for a good ball-bat contest. The grass on its surface and cooler temperature can be advantageous for fast bowlers who might be able to rely on swing and seam movement, particularly in the initial overs.
Once they are comfortable, however, the pitch in question can be used to allow aggressive batting. The altitude of the ground and the relatively fast outfield may enable batters to find boundaries and, in limited overs cricket, achieve a high score.
| Pitch Factor | Condition |
| Overall Nature | Balanced, with assistance for pace bowlers |
| ODI Batting | Good when conditions are favourable |
| T20 Batting | Can support aggressive stroke play |
| Test Batting | May become easier after the initial movement |
| Bounce | Generally good |
| Fast Bowling | Swing and seam movement can be useful |
| Spin Bowling | Can contribute, depending on pitch conditions |
| New Ball | Often important for fast bowlers |
| Outfield | Generally quick |
| Altitude | Can help the ball travel further |
| Weather Influence | Cool and cloudy conditions may favour swing |
Dharamshala Stadium Average Score
Average scores at Dharamshala Stadium vary considerably by format and the conditions on match day.
| Format | Average 1st Innings Score | Average 2nd Innings Score |
| Test | Around 259 | Around 404 |
| ODI | Around 247–266 | Around 225–237 |
| Men’s T20I | Around 135–159 | Around 127–156 |
| IPL | Around 195 | Around 167 |
Batting or Bowling Pitch?
Dharamshala Stadium can favour both batters and bowlers, but the conditions often give fast bowlers an opportunity to make an early impact.
| Department | Expected Conditions |
| ODI Batting | Good scoring opportunities |
| T20 Batting | Can be favourable for power hitters |
| Test Batting | More challenging when the ball is new |
| Fast Bowling | Often benefits from swing and seam |
| Spin Bowling | Conditions vary with the surface |
| Powerplay | Crucial period for both teams |
| Middle Overs | Batters can build partnerships |
| Death Overs | Quick outfield can reward clean hitting |
| Overall | Balanced, with early assistance for pace |
T20I Records at Dharamshala Stadium
Dharamshala has hosted men’s T20Is involving India and several visiting international teams.
| T20I Record | Performance |
| Men’s T20Is Hosted | 10 in records through December 2025 |
| Highest Team Total | 200/3 – South Africa |
| Lowest All-Out Total | 117 – South Africa |
| Highest Individual Score | 106 – Rohit Sharma |
| Best Bowling Figures | 4/11 – Paul van Meekeren |
| Highest Successful Chase | 200/3 – South Africa |
| Notable Match | South Africa defeated India by 7 wickets in 2015 |
| Latest Listed Men’s T20I | India vs South Africa, 14 December 2025 |
| Latest Match Result | India won by 7 wickets |
These figures refer to men’s T20Is. The lowest all-out total does not include lower totals in rain-shortened innings where a team was not bowled out.
IPL Records at Dharamshala Stadium
Dharamshala is an important IPL venue for Punjab Kings. The stadium has hosted league matches since the inaugural IPL season in 2008, with its first match taking place in April 2010.
| IPL Record | Details |
| IPL Venue | HPCA Stadium, Dharamshala |
| Home Franchise | Punjab Kings |
| IPL Matches | Around 19 through the 2026 season |
| Highest Team Total | 254/5 – Royal Challengers Bengaluru |
| Opponent in Record Match | Gujarat Titans |
| Record Total Date | 26 May 2026 |
| Lowest Team Total | 116 – Kings XI Punjab |
| Highest Individual Score | 106 – Adam Gilchrist |
| Highest Successful Chase | 216/7 – Delhi Capitals, 2026 |
| General Scoring Pattern | Often favourable for aggressive batting |
IPL records are updated through the 2026 season where data is available.
Highest Score at Dharamshala Stadium
Dharamshala has witnessed some impressive team totals in international and domestic cricket.
| Format | Highest Score | Team |
| Test | 477 | India |
| ODI | 388 | Australia |
| Men’s T20I | 200/3 | South Africa |
| IPL | 254/5 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru |
Lowest Score at Dharamshala Stadium
Dharamshala has also witnessed several low-scoring innings.
| Format | Lowest Score | Team |
| Test | 137 | Australia |
| ODI | 112 | India |
| Men’s T20I | 117 | South Africa |
| IPL | 116 | Kings XI Punjab |
The table lists completed innings and excludes incomplete rain-shortened innings.
Toss Prediction
The toss can influence the match at Dharamshala Stadium, particularly when the weather favours swing bowling.
| Situation | Preferred Choice |
| Cloudy Conditions | Bowl First |
| Moist Surface | Bowl First |
| Dry, Firm Pitch | Bat First Can Be Suitable |
| ODI Match | Decide After Pitch Inspection |
| T20 Match | Chasing May Be Attractive |
| Test Match | Consider Weather and Pitch Deterioration |
| Strong Swing Conditions | Bowl First |
| Clear Weather and Settled Pitch | Bat First Can Be Suitable |
Chasing Record at Dharamshala Stadium
Dharamshala has witnessed several successful chases across formats.
| Chase Record | Score |
| Highest Successful ODI Chase | 274/6 |
| Team | India |
| Opponent | New Zealand |
| Year | 2023 |
| Highest Successful Men’s T20I Chase | 200/3 |
| Team | South Africa |
| Opponent | India |
| Year | 2015 |
| Highest Successful IPL Chase | 216/7 |
| Team | Delhi Capitals |
| Opponent | Punjab Kings |
| Year | 2026 |
Dharamshala Stadium Boundary Length
Dharamshala Stadium has relatively compact boundaries compared with some larger international grounds.
| Boundary | Approximate Distance |
| Straight Boundary | Around 64–66 m |
| Square Boundary | Around 64–67 m |
| Longer Boundary Areas | Vary with rope placement |
| Shorter Boundary Areas | Vary with rope placement |
| Playing Area | Depends on the match-day layout |
Weather Conditions in Dharamshala
Weather plays an important role at Dharamshala Stadium.
| Weather Factor | Possible Effect |
| Cool Temperatures | Can make conditions more comfortable for fast bowlers |
| Cloud Cover | May assist swing bowling |
| Humidity | Can influence swing and moisture levels |
| Rain | May cause delays or interruptions |
| Evening Dew | Can make gripping the ball more difficult |
| Wind | May affect swing and high catches |
| Dry Surface | Can offer more predictable batting conditions |
| Cold Weather | May affect player comfort and match conditions |
Good Score at Dharamshala Stadium
A good score at Dharamshala depends on the format, pitch conditions and weather.
| Format | Competitive Score |
| Men’s T20I | 150–180 |
| Strong T20I Score | 190+ |
| IPL | 190–220 |
| Strong IPL Score | 220+ |
| ODI | 270–300 |
| Strong ODI Score | 320+ |
| Test | 350–450 |
Recent International Records at Dharamshala Stadium
Dharamshala has hosted several memorable international matches in recent years. The 2023 World Cup produced two major ODI performances:
| Recent Match or Record | Details |
| India vs South Africa, T20I 2025 | India won by 7 wickets |
| South Africa’s Score | 117 all out |
| India’s Score | 120/3 in 15.5 overs |
| India vs England, Test 2024 | India won by an innings and 64 runs |
| Australia vs New Zealand, ODI 2023 | Australia won by 5 runs |
| Australia ODI Total | 388 all out |
| India vs New Zealand, ODI 2023 | India won by 4 wickets |
| India’s Successful ODI Chase | 274/6 |
| Latest ODI Listed in Available Records | India vs Afghanistan, 13 June 2026 |
ODI Records at Dharamshala Stadium
Dharamshala is a well-known ODI venue that has hosted international matches and World Cup fixtures.
| ODI Record | Details |
| First ODI | India vs England, 27 January 2013 |
| Highest Team Total | 388 – Australia |
| Opponent | New Zealand |
| Year of Highest Total | 2023 |
| Lowest Completed Total | 112 – India |
| Opponent | Sri Lanka |
| Highest Individual Score | 140 – Dawid Malan |
| Highest Successful Chase | 274/6 – India |
| Opponent in Highest Chase | New Zealand |
| Best Bowling Figures | 5/54 – Mohammed Shami |
| Most ODI Runs at the Venue | Virat Kohli, 307 in the cited record set |
Historical record totals and individual statistics may vary slightly between databases as records are updated.
Test Records at Dharamshala Stadium
Dharamshala has hosted two men’s Test matches.
| Test Record | Details |
| Test Matches Hosted | 2 |
| First Test | India vs Australia, March 2017 |
| Latest Test | India vs England, March 2024 |
| Highest Team Total | 477 – India |
| Lowest Completed Team Total | 137 – Australia |
| Highest Individual Score | 111 – Steve Smith |
| Best Bowling Figures in an Innings | 7/62 – Tom Hartley, against India in 2024 |
| Best Bowling Figures by an Indian in the 2024 Test | 5/72 – Kuldeep Yadav |
| Most Recent Test Result | India won by an innings and 64 runs |
Recent T20I Records at Dharamshala Stadium
The latest men’s T20I listed at Dharamshala Stadium took place between India and South Africa on 14 December 2025.
| Recent T20I Record | Details |
| Match | India vs South Africa |
| Date | 14 December 2025 |
| Venue | HPCA Stadium, Dharamshala |
| South Africa’s Score | 117 all out |
| India’s Score | 120/3 |
| Winning Team | India |
| Winning Margin | 7 wickets |
| Player of the Match | Arshdeep Singh |
| Arshdeep Singh’s Bowling Figures | 2/13 |
| Highest Men’s T20I Total at the Venue | 200/3 – South Africa |
| Highest Individual Men’s T20I Score | 106 – Rohit Sharma |
Conclusion
One of the most unique cricket stadiums in India, Dharamshala Stadium offers a picturesque backdrop set against the backdrop of the Himalayas, while playing in such environments can make for an exciting game of cricket! The HPCA Stadium has seen many Test matches, ODIs, T20Is and IPL matches and for all its cool weather, grassy surface and relatively fast outfield, it has made a splash.
The Dharamshala Stadium pitch report is all-inclusive, indicating a good surface for fast bowlers, especially in the early overs. Batters can also bat with a big score when they find their rhythm as Australia did against New Zealand with 388 runs in the 2023 World Cup match. In T20 cricket, the 180-run figure is formidable while in ODI, 300+ result can create lot of hassle for the opposition. However, real scoring conditions are dependent upon the types of pitch, weather and team combinations.
The toss of the game should also be determined by the conditions on the day. It can be alluring to bat first on a calm, dry surface but can work to the advantage of a fast bowler if it is cloudy or moist. In conclusion, Dharamshala Stadium continues to be a vital venue for Indian cricket. It has distinct playing conditions and an international record making it a cricket fan’s delight.
FAQs
In which city is the stadium called
Dharamshala?
Dharamshala Stadium is situated in Dharamshala, HP, India. It is known as the official name of the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium.
What is the best ODI score in Dharamshala Stadium?
Australia has set the record in ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 by losing 388 all out to New Zealand.
At Dharamshala Stadium, what is the length of the boundary?
The straight and square boundaries are typically of size 64–67 metres. Real distances may differ according to the direction and the place of the match.
