The third Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test match between India and Australia, originally scheduled to take place from March 1st to 5th in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, may have to be moved to a new location due to the current state of the HPCA Stadium.
A final decision on the matter is expected within the next few days based on the outcome of an inspection to be conducted by a team of experts.
Back-up Venues Shortlisted
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has already shortlisted several back-up venues, including Visakhapatnam, Rajkot, Pune, and Indore, in case Dharamshala is deemed unfit to host the international match. The last time the HPCA Stadium hosted a cricket match was in February of 2022, when it hosted twin T20Is between India and Sri Lanka.
Dharamshala under renovation
Since the T20Is last February, the HPCA Stadium has undergone renovations, including relaying the outfield and installing a new drainage system. It is understood that the outfield is still not ready, with bald patches where the grass cover has not taken hold yet. BCCI carried out an inspection on February 3rd, and another inspection is scheduled for this weekend, following which a final call will be taken.
Inspection Determines Outfield Safety
The inspection team will determine if the outfield is safe enough and can withstand the wear and tear that comes with hosting a Test match. The outfield is sand-based, which experts say needs a dense grass cover. The HPCA Stadium is nestled in the Dhauladhar mountain range in the Middle Himalayas and is a highly scenic venue for the sport. It last hosted first-class cricket just before the COVID-19 pandemic descended in early 2020 and has hosted just one Test in the 2016-17 edition of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Ticket Sales
While ticket sales have already started for the second Test in the current series, which is to be played in Delhi from February 17th, tickets for the final two Test matches have not yet been released. The fourth Test is scheduled to take place in Ahmedabad from March 9th to 13th.
The future of the third Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test in Dharamshala remains uncertain as the state of the HPCA Stadium is evaluated. Whether the match takes place in Dharamshala or is moved to one of the back-up venues, fans are eager to see the outcome of the inspections and the final decision on the matter.
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