Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium 

A jam-packed Mohali stadium [X.com]

One of the younger cricket stadiums in India, the Punjab Cricket Stadium or IS Bindra or Mohali Stadium is known for its vocal crowd and electrifying atmosphere.

The Mohali Stadium is known for its unique design, which distinguishes it from all other stadiums in the world. Inaugurated in 1993. the IS Bindra Stadium took three years to build, and since then has gradually become a hotspot for all-formats matches, apart from being host to an array of T20 games. 

Between 1993 and 2023, Mohali has hosted 14 Tests, 25 ODIs, and 6 T20Is with distinction, however, remains a small ground with a capacity of 27,000. The venue has hosted one women's ODI and three women's T20Is as well.

---

ALSO READ

M.A. Chidambaram Stadium

---

Unveiling the Legacy of Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium Mohali

PCA Stadium under floodlights [X.com]

The stadium was built by Geetanshu Kalra with Ar. Arun Loomba and Associates taking care of the architecture and design, while R.S Construction Company completed the construction.

The Mohali stadium was built for INR 25 crore, taking three years to complete. The prestigious stadium is named after former Board of Control for Cricket in India and Punjab Cricket Association President Inderjit Singh Bindra, thus the name IS Bindra Stadium. 

Apart from hosting India, the stadium is the home ground for the Punjab state cricket team, and Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Punjab Kings (PBKS) as well.  

The venue has played host to major international events such as World Cup 1996, Champions Trophy 2006, World Cup 2011, and World T20 2016.

The major highlight or an odd feature about the stadium are the floodlights, which compared to other venues are much shorter in size. As many as 16 floodlights brighten up the IS Bindra Stadium at night, which are strategically lower in height owning to the Chandigarh Airport being in close proximity.

Cricket Legacy: Iconic Matches and Moments

India won by 29 runs [X.com]

With geopolitical tensions at an all-time high, Mohali hosted India and Pakistan in the second semi-final of the ICC World Cup 2011, with Head of State from both nations attending the high-voltage encounter. 

Apart from PM Manmohan Singh and PM Yousaf Raza Gillani, other national political leaders and actors from the entertainment industry were also in attendance. 

Sachin Tendulkar's valiant 85 runs helped India reach a subpar 260 after other star batters failed. Tendulkar was helped on by several drop catches, and umpiring calls, which Pakistan players found dubious post the match. 

Former Pakistan pacer Wahab Riaz rattled India's batting order claiming a well-deserved five-wicket haul. However, India went on to win the encounter (fifth consecutive time in WCs), managing to hold their nerves despite excellent knocks from Mohammed Hafeez and Misbah-Ul-Haq. 

Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium ODI Records And Stats

Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium  Pitch Report Batting or Bowling ?

Freshly laid grass at Mohali with centre wickets [X.com]

One of the most essential components of a cricket stadium is the pitch. With a focus on nurturing fast bowlers, the track at Mohali used to be quite fast-paced and had ample bounce. 

The pitch at Mohali has generally assisted batters and is ideal for stroke-play, however, since 2015, the behaviour of the surface has drastically changed. While spinners did find purchase in Tests, in limited-overs they were less threatening initially, but since the last few years, the bounce has been dual, and spinners have found aid from ball one. 

Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium - Weather Report

Overcast conditions at Mohali [X.com]

With Mohali being situated in the northern part of the country, rain or overcast conditions rarely affect play.

However, during winters, which constitute India's domestic season, the conditions at IS Bindra Stadium is varied. With fog in the morning, bowlers find ample support in the air for swing bowling in Test matches, which as the day moves forward dies down.

In white-ball cricket, the dew plays a huge factor, which takes effect during the second half of the day. In ODIs, with the sun beating down on the track, batting becomes easy, while during the twilight zone, pacers tend to find just enough movement.

With lowered floodlights, players find it tough to take catches, wherein the glaring halogen lights make it difficult to see the ball in the air. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Question 1:What Makes Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium Special?

A: Short boundary lines and lowered floodlights make Mohali Stadium unique and difficult at the same time. 

Question 2: How does the pitch at Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium behave?

A: The pitch from being pacer-friendly, over time, has gradually become more spin-friendly. 

Question 3: Can you suggest nearby attractions to visit along with a match at Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium?

A: Some of the nearby tourist places around Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium are as follows:

• ISKCON Temple
• Rock Garden
• City Bird Sanctuary 
• Gurudwara Sri Amb Sahib

---

ALSO READ

M. Chinnaswamy Stadium

---