Mullanpur stadium set to host its first T20I

After failing to figure on the list of venues for the T20 World Cup matches, the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh Punjab Cricket Association International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur, is set to host its first-ever T20 International on December 11.

The T20 World Champions India will face South Africa in the second match of the five-match T20 series here — marking a new chapter in the history of the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA). Eager to leave a mark in the international cricket, the stadium had hosted its first international event in September, as India and Australia women’s teams played two matches before starting their ICC Women’s World Cup campaign.

The upcoming T20 match will also mark BCCI president Mithun Manhas’ maiden visit of the stadium as he has confirmed to watch the match here. “The BCCI president will be attending the match, along with other board officials. We have also requested the Punjab Chief Minister, who is currently on an investment outreach international tour, to attend the event,” said Amarjit Singh Mehta, PCA president.

“Two new stands dedicated to Yuvraj Singh — the former Indian all-rounder and member of the 2011 ODI World Cup winning squad — and Harmanpreet Kaur — Indian women’s team World Cup winning captain — will also be unveiled before the start of the match. While Yuvraj will be present at the stadium, Harmanpreet’s parents will attend the ceremony,” Mehta added.

Chilly conditions

While the excitement is high among cricket fans, the weather conditions will remain cold on December 11 to test the patience of the players and spectators. It’s for the first time, the stadium is hosting a day and night match in December. Given the fact the stadium is surrounded with open fields, the fans are being advised to cover themselves with proper clothes. As per the IMD weather prediction, the minimum temperature is expected to be 7 degrees Celsius and maximum at 24. “The fans, especially children, should cover themselves with proper wind blocking clothes and wear warmers,” said Dr Anil, a local physician.

The match is scheduled to start at 7pm.

Meanwhile, the sale of tickets has already started under categorisation of Rs 1,000; Rs 1,500; Rs 3,000; Rs 5,000; Rs 8,000; Rs 17,500; Rs 20,000 and Rs 25,000. The teams are expected to reach here on December 10, and attend an optional training session the same evening.