Dharamshala: Problems beyond the boundary

Ever since the BCCI named it as the venue of the three-day tour opener for the Pakistan series, Dharamshala has been in a state of high exci...

Ever since the BCCI named it as the venue of the three-day tour opener for the Pakistan series, Dharamshala has been in a state of high excitement. However, that excitement is tempered by the realisation that, though possessed of a fine cricket stadium, the town may fall short in terms of support facilities.

It8217;s a story the BCCI may consider when deciding on small towns for big matches.

Dharamshala has only a handful of 8216;standard hotels8217; because, though a favourite of foreign tourists, they are mainly of the backpacker variety. Local estimates say the area has nearly 3,000 rooms of all categories, but only a small percentage catering to the luxury segment.

8216;8216;The HP Cricket Association is in correspondence with a private chain of hotels to ensure that there are a few Star rated hotels in the area for future matches,8217;8217; HPCA spokesman Sanjay Sharma said.

The town has a stadium befitting the match 8212; built at a cost of nearly Rs 9 8212; but it doesn8217;t yet have a corporate enclosure to seat the sizeable VIP component expected at the match. 8216;8216;Corporate boxes will be ready by the year end. However, we have the pavilion boxes where the VIPs can be comfortable,8217;8217; Sharma said.

Another problem is the lack of adequate air connections. While there8217;s an airport near to Dharamshala at Gaggal, there8217;s only one flight on alternate days 8212; that, too, dependent on the weather.

The problems were highlighted a few days ago when a Hyderabad cricketer playing in the Vijay Merchant Trophy fell sick and had to be shifted back on priority. The flight from Gaggal airport was cancelled and eventually officials had to have the Kullu-New Delhi flight diverted.

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However, the cricketers will be in the lap of luxury, lodged at one of the two premier hotels. At the stadium, where work is on at full tilt, the HPCA is installing a state-of-the art gymnasium, sauna and jacuzzi for the players.