The UT sports department has written to the Senior Superintendent of Police (Law and Order) and SSP (Traffic and Security), requesting their views on the feasibility of organizing Indian Premier League (IPL) or international cricket matches at the Sector 16 cricket stadium. This move is significant as Chandigarh's lone cricket stadium has not hosted any international match since 2007, and no IPL match has ever been held there.
Infrastructure and Security Assessment
The Sector 16 cricket stadium requires major infrastructure upgrades to meet international and IPL standards. However, the sports department intends to first seek police inputs on security, law and order, and traffic logistics before deciding on the necessary developments and cost estimates.
In a letter sent last week to the SSPs, a copy of which is with TOI, the sports department stated: "With reference to conducting international cricket matches in cricket stadium of Sector 16, it is submitted that the Sports Department of the Chandigarh Administration intends to upgrade the Cricket Stadium, Sector 16, Chandigarh to International Standards so that International and Indian Premier League matches can be conducted here. It is, therefore, requested that comments regarding law and order and traffic arrangements for hosting International Cricket Matches in Cricket Stadium, Sector 16, be sent to this office, so that a conscious decision may be taken regarding the upgradation of the stadium since it involves a lot of public expenditure."
Recent Upgrades and Consultation
Last year, the UT sports and engineering department upgraded the main ground and pitch at a cost of around Rs 40 lakh. The engineering department replaced the grass on the main ground, raised the central pitch level, and provided a proper slope for drainage. New drains with outlets were also constructed.
Before starting the work, the UT sports department and engineering wing consulted high-level technical experts from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Mullanpur International Cricket Stadium of the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA). Teams from BCCI and PCA visited the Sector 16 Cricket Ground last year to inspect the ongoing works and provide advice.
Historical Context and Decline
Constructed in the 1970s, the Sector 16 stadium was once a premier venue for international cricket but has seen a decline over the past 18 years. The last international match between India and Australia was held in October 2007. No IPL match has ever been played at this venue, primarily due to the failure to upgrade its infrastructure.
The stadium has a seating capacity of around 20,000 to 22,000, which has not been increased. During its peak, it hosted its first ODI in January 1985 between India and England and its only Test match in 1990 between India and Sri Lanka. Many Indian cricket legends, including Kapil Dev, Chetan Sharma, Yuvraj Singh, Harbhajan Singh, and Dinesh Mongia, honed their skills here. The venue was regarded as the nursery of Chandigarh cricket and played a key role in producing several international and first-class cricketers from the region. It regularly attracted large crowds before newer international venues in Mohali and Mullanpur took over.
