Punjab Kings to play four matches in Mullanpur, 3 in Dharamsala

Ending the suspense, the Indian Premier League (IPL) managing committee has approved hosting four important matches of Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur, and three matches at Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamsala.

The region’s only management playing in the India’s showpiece event will open their home season by hosting Rajasthan Royals (April 5) in Mullanpur, followed by three home games against Chennai Super Kings (April 8), Kolkata Knight Riders (April 15) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (April 20). The side will play their three home games at their second venue in Dharamsala against Lucknow Super Giants (May 4), Delhi Capitals (May 8) and Mumbai Indians (May 11). The side will open their 14-match league campaign against Gujarat Titans (March 25) in Ahmedabad.

Last year, the newly constructed Mullanpur stadium hosted five IPL matches. The side won only one to end another home season on a disastrous note. Since, it was for the first time that the new facility hosted a big event, many shortcomings were reported. However, this year, the PCA management claims to be more prepared in solving issues related to parking of vehicles and better facilities for spectators.

There were also reports of resentment among PBKS and PCA officials as the former desired to host three important matches (against Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru) in Dharamsala instead of Mullanpur. However, as per the announced schedule, the Mullanpur facility will now host Chennai and Bengaluru, while Mumbai will play in Dharamsala. Meanwhile, sources claimed that the PCA management has already discussed various plans with the Mohali administration to zero in on vehicle parking zones. Last year, the PCA had taken nearby open fields on lease to use these as make-shift parking zones.

The PCA management has already announced better parking facilities, canopies to shield spectators from the scorching sun and practice pitches for players at the new facility. The work to install canopies (15 ft from the stands) has already been approved. Meanwhile, the flyover connecting the stadium to both Chandigarh and Punjab has become operational.