By Cricket enthusiasts in the tricity area have a reason to rejoice as the newly constructed Mullanpur stadium gears up to host its maiden Indian Premier League (IPL) match on March 23. In what promises to be an exciting showdown, the Punjab Kings (PBKS) will face off against the Delhi Capitals (DC), marking a significant milestone for the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) and cricket lovers in the region.
The stadium, officially named the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh Cricket Stadium, has been under construction since 2008, with the PCA diligently preparing to host various formats of the game, including IPL, ODIs, and Tests. After overcoming several challenges and missed deadlines, the completion of the stadium represents a triumph for the PCA and cricket infrastructure in the region.
Following the recent completion of construction, the PCA swiftly petitioned the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to relocate the March 23 IPL fixture from the IS Bindra PCA Stadium in Mohali to the Mullanpur stadium. After a thorough inspection, the BCCI gave its approval, paving the way for the historic match.
Dilsher Khanna, the PCA secretary, expressed gratitude towards the BCCI for their confidence in the Mullanpur stadium, stating, “We want the fans to enjoy watching the game at the new stadium.” Efforts are also underway to ensure smooth accessibility to the venue, with discussions ongoing with the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA) regarding road connectivity from Chandigarh and surrounding areas.
Anticipation is high for the match, with the Mullanpur stadium potentially hosting additional IPL fixtures this season, pending the announcement of the Lok Sabha elections’ schedule. In preparation for the upcoming match, the Punjab Kings have initiated a preparatory camp at the Mullanpur stadium, further enhancing the excitement surrounding this momentous occasion.
As cricket fever grips the tricity area, all eyes are set on the Mullanpur stadium as it embarks on its journey to become a cherished venue for cricketing events of national and international significance. With the inaugural IPL match on the horizon, cricket aficionados eagerly await the start of what promises to be an unforgettable chapter in the region’s sporting history.
