Punjab Kings Set to Play IPL 2024 in Their ‘New World-Class Home Ground'
.jpeg)
PBKS finished at eighth position in the IPL 2023. (AP)
The recently constructed Mullanpur Stadium, developed by the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA), is poised to serve as the home ground for the Punjab Kings (PBKS) during the IPL 2024 season. PCA Secretary Dilsher Khanna confirmed that officials from PBKS have assessed the Mullanpur Stadium, heightening the likelihood of hosting IPL 2024 matches at this venue.
The recent speculations suggested there’s a possibility of the stadium hosting its very international match in the India vs Afghanistan T20I series in January. However, Dilsher Khanna clarified to News18 that certain pending construction work still needs completion at the venue. Consequently, the fixture will take place at the PCA IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali.
The official Punjab Cricket Association account shared a video showcasing the newly developed Mullanpur Stadium, affirming its readiness for IPL 2024. Secretary Khanna conducted a comprehensive tour of the stadium for media personnel, emphasizing features such as the playing area, grandstands, and amenities for players and spectators.
Reports indicate that Mullanpur Stadium has a spectator capacity of approximately 30,000, with parking available for around 1800 cars. Currently, 12 pitches are under preparation in the center, and the net session area for players is located adjacent to gate number one, the entrance for teams.
The Mullanpur Stadium boasts a well-equipped herringbone drainage system, facilitating water removal within 25-30 minutes after rainfall. The ground, constructed with sand rather than traditional soil, provides stability, albeit posing maintenance challenges. The stadium features two international-standard dressing rooms equipped with steam, sauna, and ice bath facilities. Additionally, a world-class gym has been established at this complex.
Despite a disappointing IPL campaign in 2023, where Punjab Kings finished eighth in the league table with 12 points from 14 games, they have opted to retain most key players for the upcoming season. The franchise also secured notable players during the IPL 2024 auction, including Harshal Patel and Rilee Rossouw.
In the 2024 IPL auction, PBKS spent INR 24.95 crore to acquire the services of eight players. Among these players, notable names include Harshal Patel, Chris Woakes, and Rilee Rossouw. Harshal, the 2021 purple cap winner, emerged as the team’s costliest buy for INR 11.75 crore, making him the priciest Indian player in the 2024 auction.
After consistently falling short of playoff qualification since the 2014 season, PBKS will aim to reverse their fortunes in 2024. Under the leadership of captain Shikhar Dhawan and head coach Trevor Bayliss, the 2019 World Cup winner, the team seeks a turnaround in performance.
PBKS IPL 2024 FULL SQUAD: Shikhar Dhawan (c), Matthew Short, Prabhsimran Singh, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Sikandar Raza, Rishi Dhawan, Liam Livingstone, Atharva Taide, Arshdeep Singh, Nathan Ellis, Sam Curran, Kagiso Rabada, Harpreet Brar, Rahul Chahar, Harpreet Bhatia, Vidwath Kaverappa, Shivam Singh, Harshal Patel, Chris Woakes, Ashutosh Sharma, Vishwanath Pratap Singh, Shashank Singh, Tanay Thyagarajann, Prince Choudhary, Rilee Rossouw.
 "Vaibhav Tripathi")
