Mullanpur stadium gets infra boost ahead of IPL

Better parking facilities, canopies to shield spectators from the scorching sun and practice pitches for players, the Maharaja Yadavindra International Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) stadium, Mullanpur, will have something new for everyone at this year’s Indian Premier League (IPL).

The additions hold significance as the stadium, set to host its second edition of the star-studded league, looks to make up for last season’s shortcomings.

Making its IPL debut last year, the stadium did enthrall crowds with top cricketing action but shortfalls such as parking woes, poor condition of the approach road and lack of a facility to get away from harsh sun left many fans wanting.

This year, the league is likely to run from March 14 to May 25 and will comprise 74 matches, the same as the last three seasons. The Mullanpur stadium, which is home to the revamped Punjab Kings, too is again expected to host at least five matches.

The Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) management has set the ball rolling for the said improvements. “The work to install canopies (at 15 ft from the stands) has already been approved and will start next week. We have also come up with practice grounds and pitches for the teams. Solutions for other problems are in the pipeline and by next week, we will complete everything and be ready to host matches,” said PCA secretary Dilsher Khanna.

Last year, the PCA had leased the open fields in vicinity to use as make-shift parking zones. “We are chalking out a plan to ensure parking facilities. On the sporting front, our B-ground has already been completed and hosted multiple domestic matches,” added Khanna.

Flyover fully functional

The flyover connecting the stadium to both Chandigarh and Punjab has become fully operational now. Last year, only one side of the road was open for traffic as part of the other side was still under construction.

With fans pouring in huge numbers, the two roads connecting Chandigarh and New Chandigarh were left jam-packed during the last edition of the IPL. The conditions worsened at the conclusion of matches on both roads leading up to the stadium. But with the flyover now open, the movement of traffic is expected to be smoother.

The stadium is looking to make an impression with its handling of the IPL matches this time around as it could also open the door for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) bringing international matches to the venue in the future.