Hope of IPL matches in state dashed

[Sir john]

Dharamsala, October 26 With the BCCI banning Punjab Kings XI, chances of holding matches in Dharamsala cricket stadium have also diminished. The officials of Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) had been planning a good IPL season. Their hopes depended on Punjab Kings XI that was home team in Dharamsala last year. However, with team being banned, there is little chance of holding IPL matches here. However, the spokesperson of the HPCA, Sanjay Sharma, when contacted, expressed hope. He said if the Punjab Kings XI team failed to compete next season,they would approach the IPL governing body to give some other matches to Dharamsala. Last season, the BCCI officials were happy with the facilities provided to players by the HPCA. Sharma added that the facilities had further been improved this year. Last year, the HPCA had managed to host two IPL matches. Despite small bottlenecks, the matches turned out to be a big success as they attracted a large number of tourists to Dharamsala. Besides, most of the hotels did a roaring business. The Punjab Kings XI team has been banned by BCCI for alleged irregularities found by income tax authorities. Former IPL commissioner, Lalit Modi, was also alleged to be one of the investors in Punjab Kings XI. The state Congress is planning to take on the HPCA for its close association with Lalit Modi. Meanwhile, the HPCA has decided to start JP T-20 state-level cricket tournament from November 2010. Sanjay Sharma said the tournament would be played at about 60-70 centres throughout the state. About 1,300 teams were expected to participate in the tournament involving about 18,000 players from all over the state. Last year, 1,017 teams participated in the tournament involving about 14,500 players. (:(((:(((:((