‘We can only dream of making a new one’ – Wasim Akram disregards Pakistan building stadium like Dharamsala

Wasim Akram (Photo Source: Twitter)

There is no doubt in admitting that the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala is one of the most picturesque stadiums in the world. Juxtaposed amidst the Himalayas, the arena provides a breathtaking view of the mountains for players, viewers, and spectators. It is also known for its infrastructure which gives a premium feel for the goers. Comparing Pakistan’s Gaddafi Stadium with the HPCA stadium, Wasim Akram has stated that Pakistan can only dream of making such a stadium.

“We can’t even maintain three stadiums, (Baki kaha naya bana lenge) how could we make a new one? (Gaddafi ki chhat dekhi hai) Have you seen the roof of the Gaddafi Stadium that they were showing with the drone? We can’t even control the three we have. We can only dream of making a new one. We have enough area to make a new stadium, though. Abbottabad is a very beautiful ground,” Akram said as quoted by TOI.

Thanks to a spree of international games hosted in Dharamsala, the stadium has become a rage amongst the foreigners who travel to India for cricket solely. During the World Cup 2023 game between India and New Zealand, the match was halted in between for a brief period as fog engulfed the whole ground. Situated at a height of 1,457 above sea level, the recent India vs England 5th Test played there saw the English side taking a jog around the locality before the match commenced.

India beat England in Dharamsala to clinch series by 4-1

The recent match which was played at the HPCA saw India secure the fifth Test with an emphatic win by an innings and 64 runs. It was also the culmination of the two-month-long series between India and England. Ravichandran Ashwin who was also playing his 100th Test, claimed a five-wicket haul in second innings. His fifer put his name amongst the list of stalwarts like Muttiah Muralitharan, Shane Warne, and Anil Kumble who achieved a similar feat in their respective 100th Test.