Dharamsala gets ready for IPL matches

Dharamsala: Even as Dharamsala is getting ready for the Indian Premier League matches on May 17 and 19 when Kings XI Punjab will take on Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Daredevils, respectively, but the entire focus is to host its first international ODI match early next year.

Dharamsala was approved of hosting ODI by the ICC recently and the president of Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA), Anurag Thakur said that the focus is on India-England match, scheduled to be held in January 2013.

"Our entire focus is now on India-England one-dayer to be staged here early next year," said Thakur. He also added, the IPL experience had convinced the association that they were capable of hosting international games.

Dharamsala has hosted a number of IPL matches over the past couple of years.

Dharamsala 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 for 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.

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