File photo of Dharamshala Stadium.
The tourism industry is going to get new energy during winter in Dharamshala. The IPL will have three matches at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium. Punjab Kings will take on Lucknow Super Giants on 4 May, Delhi Capitals on 8 May and Mumbai Indians on 11 May.
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The hotel booking fell to 20% in winter. Now it is likely to be more than 70% during the matches. This growth will be mainly seen in Lower Dharamshala. There will be a slight increase in Upper Dharamshala. Palampur and surrounding tourist destinations will also benefit.
According to Ashwani Bamba, president of Dharamshala Hotel Association, the number of tourists will be more in the weekend matches. Kangra’s Tourism Development Officer Vinay Dhiman and Taxi Union have also hoped for a boom in trade. The administration has held a meeting with the departments regarding security and traffic system.
Punjab Kings’s performance in Dharamshala has not been good. The team has won only 5 matches out of 13. The team’s last win was registered against Mumbai Indians on 18 May 2013. The four match teams held here in 2023 and 2024 lost. Now the team will once again try their luck in Dharamshala.
Strict security arrangements in the stadium, more than 30 items will be banned Strict instructions have been issued by the police administration and HPCA in view of security in the stadium. HPCA Secretary Avnish Parmar said that according to the BCCI guidelines, carrying several items within the stadium is prohibited. Information about these banned goods is already being given to the audience on the ticket.
Viewers have been advised not to wear silver or iron string, as they may have to be taken off during security checks, and they are likely to lose as before. Food and beverage items will be provided within the stadium, so bringing something from outside is strictly prohibited.