Dharamsala was approved of hosting ODI by the ICC recently and President of Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) stadium, Anurag Thakur said that this is the first ground in Himachal Pradesh, a hill station in India, approved for international matches.
"Our entire focus is now on India-England one-dayer to be staged here early next year," said Thakur.
He also said that it has hosted a number of IPL matches over the past couple of years, serving as the second home for the Kings XI Punjab franchise.
This is the third season of IPL and the city has got a facelift with roads being relaid and around 1500 police personnels deployed for the upcoming matches.
The tickets of the May 19 match is also all sold out.
The organisers claimed that the arrangements are all complete and the venue is all prepared to host Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister PK Dhumal, the guest of honour in these matches.
It was the IPL experience that convinced the association that they were capable of hosting international games. (MORE)
