Pakistan need construct stadiums like Dharamsala | Akram
In response to a fan’s query over Pakistan’s inability to fund infrastructure projects in the country’s north, Akram
Located in Dharamsala, India, the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium is one of the most picturesque cricket fields in the world. Standing at a height of 1457 meters above sea level, the ground in the foothills of the Himalayas is a sight not just for Indian supporters but also for visiting supporters of the touring teams.
But when a supporter asked former Pakistani cricket player Wasim Akram on A Sports, “We have seen stadiums like Dharamsala and Queenstown (New Zealand), why is the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) not investing in the infrastructure of stadiums in the northern areas? “We can’t even maintain three stadiums, (Baki kaha naya bana lenge), how could we make a new one?” was Akram’s direct response.
“(Gaddafi ki chhat dekhi hai) Have you seen the Gaddafi Stadium top that the drone was showing you? Not even the three of us are within our control. All we can do is hope to create a new one. However, we have adequate space to build a new stadium. Akram would continue, “Abbotabad is a very beautiful ground.”
Wasim Akram’s Praise for Dharamsala
Wasim Akram, widely regarded as one of the greatest cricketers of all time, couldn’t help but express his awe for the magnificence of the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala. In contrast to the beauty of Dharamsala, he lamented the state of stadiums in Pakistan. Akram highlighted the inability to maintain existing stadiums, let alone construct new ones.
In a candid statement, Akram said, “We can’t even maintain three stadiums, how could we make a new one? Have you seen the roof of the Gaddafi Stadium that they were showing with the drone? 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.”
Constructing Dharamsala
It took ten years for the landscape of Dharamsala to develop into an internationally recognized facility. The project was postponed due to financial constraints and local political issues. For the local cricket association and the architect, who valued nuance, proportion, and the ability to meld his designs into the natural world, it was essentially a labor of love.
Anurag Thakur, the current Sports and I&B Minister and a former BCCI secretary, was the head of cricket at HP more than 20 years ago. He is currently 25 years old. He arrived in Dharamsala while doing a thorough reconnaissance of the entire state to find a clearing in the hills suitable for use as a cricket venue.
Admirers of little picturesque village grounds and suckers for the game’s oldest format, many English people consider a trip here to be a must-do, as noted by England cricketer-turned-journalist Michael Atherton in a recent piece. Dharamsala, which means “a resting place of pilgrims,” still keeps true to its moniker.
The Cultural Significance of Cricket Stadiums
Cricket stadiums hold immense cultural significance, not just for the sport but also for the communities they represent. They serve as gathering places for fans, witnesses to historic moments, and symbols of national pride. The beauty and grandeur of a stadium can enhance the overall experience for players and spectators alike.
Stadiums like the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala not only provide a platform for cricket matches but also boost tourism and contribute to the local economy. They become iconic landmarks that attract visitors from far and wide. Creating and maintaining such stadiums requires a collective effort from sports authorities, government bodies, and the cricketing community.
The Need for Investment in Pakistani Stadiums
Wasim Akram’s comments on the state of Pakistani stadiums serve as a wake-up call for authorities and cricket enthusiasts. The neglect and lack of investment in infrastructure have hindered the growth of cricket in Pakistan. To compete on an international level and create visually stunning stadiums, concerted efforts are required to address the challenges faced by Pakistani stadiums.
Investment in maintenance, infrastructure development, and proper management will not only enhance the visual appeal of Pakistani stadiums but also create a better experience for players and spectators. It is crucial to recognize the cultural significance of cricket stadiums and their potential to contribute to tourism and the local economy.
Conclusion
The Dharamsala Stadium stands as a shining example of the seamless integration of natural beauty and sports architecture. Wasim Akram’s contrasting remarks about the state of Pakistani stadiums highlight the challenges faced by cricket infrastructure in the country. It is essential for authorities and cricket enthusiasts to address these challenges and invest in the development of picturesque stadiums in Pakistan.
By recognizing the cultural significance of cricket stadiums and their potential to boost tourism and the local economy, Pakistan can aspire to create world-class venues. Through proper maintenance, infrastructure development, and sound management, Pakistani stadiums can rival the splendor of Dharamsala and become iconic landmarks in their own right. It is time to transform the dreams of a picturesque stadium into a reality for Pakistan’s cricketing future.
