International cricket match at Dharamshala soon: HPCA

Shimla, Dec 9 (UNI) The Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) today said it had approached the state government for more land in various parts of the state for building more stadiums after the opening up of a stadium at Dharamshala where it was hoping to hold the first international match soon.

Addressing a press conference here, HPCA's president Anurag Thakur said a few infrastructural issues needed to be sorted out before the first international cricket match would be hosted at the Dharamshala stadium.

The sporting body was keen to build a world class stadium in the state capital but the government has not been able to give any land on lease for the purpose.

''Our first choice remains that the Annadale grounds to showcase a world class stadium,'' he said.

Mr Thakur said other than cricket, facilities would also be provided for basket ball, volley ball and table tennis at places where Board of Cricket for Control in India (BCCI) would set up sporting facilities.

Announcing the start of a state level sub-divisional cricket tournament, he said the bringing out talent from hidden rural areas was the objective of holding such a competition.

He said the HPCA planned to construct at least two stadiums in each district for imbibing sporting spirit among the youth.

A bowling machine would be installed in Shimla where budding cricketers could get to do net practice round the year, he added.

UNI