Nadaun stadium makes Ranji comeback

Gaurav Kanthwal

By successfully hosting the Himachal Pradesh vs Bengal Ranji Trophy opener from November 1 to 4, the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Stadium in Nadaun, Hamirpur, made a comeback to First Class fold after six years.

The 2018-19 season will see the Amtar ground host only one tie, but the door has once again been opened to host First Class games at this venue. It is now the third venue in the state to host Ranji Trophy matches after the Indira Gandhi Stadium in Una and the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala. 

Groundsman Sanjay Thakur said: “The stadium has hosted many matches between teams with many international players. From Southern Shawn to Roshan Pant — all have played here and scored runs. Recently, we hosted Delhi team and women’s T20 matches were also played here.”

Built at an estimated cost of Rs 5 crore and inaugurated in December 2009, the Amtar ground, as it is locally known, has hosted four Ranji Trophy matches (First Class) and scores of List-A matches since its completion. In January 2005, the ground first hosted a List-A match between Himachal Pradesh and Services (Ranji Trophy one-dayer).

The picturesque stadium boasts of Pagoda style architecture with a Kali temple nearby and the Beas river flowing gently on the backside. It boasts of a batting wicket with ample scope for stroke play for the batsmen. Himachal has played four Ranji matches here in the 2012 season, of which three were drawn, while one ended in a loss for the hosts. 

Former HP skipper Paras Dogra (210 of 334 balls; 25x4, 1x6) boasts of the highest score on the ground against Services (November 9, 2012). Prashant Chopra, former India U-19 opener of the team which won the World Cup in Australia in 2012, made his First Class debut against Kerala in Nadaun on November 2, 2012. Prashant’s father Shiv Chopra, a cricket coach who has toured with many sides here, said: “It’s a batting-friendly wicket with lots of runs, but seamers also tend to take wickets.”

 While the construction work of the stands is still on, the ground was made match-ready in eight months. The stadium is in the series of 12 cricket venues, one each in every district, to be constructed by HPCA.