Association hits revenue record as cricket fever sweeps Tricity region

Hosting the first ever T20 International match at the Maharaja Yadavindra International Stadium, the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) generated Rs 6.5 crore (approximately) from the sale of tickets — the highest-ever sales revenue since the inception of the association.

So far, the stadium had only hosted matches for the Board Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) domestic circuit, the Indian Premier League (IPL) and two internationals between the Indian and Australian women’s team. While IPL encounters often draw a full house, the revenue does not come directly to the PCA. The two matches between India and Australia women’s team, meanwhile, drew a lukewarm response. The first ever T20 International between India and South Africa, however, saw a jam-packed stand, bringing some relief for the PCA authorities.

“This is the highest-ever sales revenue in the history of the PCA. Until yesterday, the figure had crossed Rs 6 crore, and today (on the day of the match), we have received confirmation of an approximate Rs 6.5 crore revenue,” confirmed PCA treasurer Sunil Gupta.

The PCA has in past hosted major matches, including the semifinals of the 1996 and the 2011 World Cups. The latter match between India and Pakistan went on to become one of the most watched games in cricketing history. However, these matches were hosted at IS Bindra PCA Stadium in Mohali. The previous facility had the capacity to host around 28,000 spectators, way short of Mullanpur’s 38,000 fans — thus giving the organisers a chance to get an overwhelming response from the stands.

Sweet surprise

Meanwhile, cricketing fever peaked at the India-South Africa T20 International. The first match played here in the dead of winter saw enthusiastic fan turnout. “I am watching my third match here, and this stadium has great energy. I hope the first international helps the PCA get more matches,” said Anandita Singh, a spectator.

Before the toss, fans were treated to an sweet surprise as the World Cup-winning skipper Harmanpreet Kaur and former Indian cricketer Yuvraj Singh made their way to the stadium.

The PCA unveiled two new strands, “Harmanpreet Kaur Stand” and “Yuvraj Singh Stand” to honour the two for their contributions to the sport. The ceremony was attended by Punjab Cheild Minister Bhagwant Mann and BCCI president Mithun Manhas. After the ceremony, Harmanpreet interacted with the Punjab CM and also took photographs in front of the stand named after her, the first that the PCA has dedicated to the region’s woman cricketer.

The PCA also honoured members of the World Cup winning squad from the state — Harmanpreet Kaur, Amanjot Kaur and Harleen Deol — with Rs 11 lakh each. It also awarded Rs 5 lakh to the Indian women’s team fielding coach Munish Bali, who also hails from Punjab. Sources claimed that the Punjab government will also honour the players with a cash award of Rs 1.5 crore each soon.

Traffic woes persist

Outside the stadium though, spectators were hassled by the lack of proper parking space and bumper-to-bumper traffic. “The experience of watching the match here was pleasant, but the parking problem and approach roads are still a concern. We have to travel through various restrictions, even before reaching near the stadium. And, thereafter, it was a long walk,” said Anoop Panta, a spectator from Himachal Pradesh.

Private parking owners, meanwhile, had another field day, charging Rs 100 per vehicle.