The newly-built Mullanpur stadium in Punjab is preparing to host its first-ever Indian Premier League (IPL) match on March 23. It will be the first match of IPL 17 between hosts Punjab King and visitors Delhi Capitals (DC). So instead of traditional home ground of Mohali, all action shifts to Mullanpur this season.
This signifies the start of a new era for the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA), previously known for hosting matches at the IS Bindra PCA Stadium in Mohali. Since the inception of the construction of the Mullanpur stadium, now named the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh Cricket Stadium, in 2008, the PCA has been preparing to host all formats of cricket – including IPL, ODIs, and Tests – at this new venue.
After several missed deadlines, the PCA has finally completed the construction recently. Following the release of the IPL schedule by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) last week, which allocated the March 23 game to the PCA stadium in Mohali, the Association requested the match to be relocated to the Mullanpur stadium. Following an inspection of the facilities at the stadium, the BCCI approved the request.
Dilsher Khanna, the secretary of the PCA, who has been instrumental in making this achievement possible, stated, “The BCCI has approved for the PCA Mullanpur stadium to host the upcoming IPL game on March 23. We are thankful to the BCCI secretary for placing trust in us. We aim to ensure that fans enjoy watching the game at the new stadium,” Khanna was quoted as saying by the Hindustan Times.
He further mentioned, “We are coordinating with GMADA (Greater Mohali Area Development Authority) regarding road connectivity from Chandigarh and nearby areas to the Mullanpur stadium. We have received assurances that there won’t be any issues as the connecting bridge and road are nearing completion.”
Regarding the second phase of the IPL schedule, Khanna mentioned that it will be announced after the Lok Sabha elections’ schedule is released. There are indications that the Mullanpur stadium may have the opportunity to host more IPL matches this season. PBKS is currently conducting a preparatory camp for the team at the Mullanpur stadium.