Punjab

I.S. Bindra Punjab Cricket Association Stadium

Mohali

Punjab Cricket Association Sector - 63, SAS Nagar, Mohali

160059

India

٨ـ❤️ﮩ٨ـ Pulse of Mohali

Welcome to the I.S. Bindra Punjab Cricket Association Stadium, fondly known as the Mohali Stadium, a cricketing jewel nestled in Punjab, India. Renowned for its rich history, innovative design, and electrifying atmosphere, this venue has carved a special place in the hearts of cricket fans worldwide. Below is an in-depth exploration of its story, architecture, iconic moments, and what makes it truly unique.

History of the Stadium

The Mohali Stadium is a testament to vision, engineering prowess, and Punjab’s love for cricket.

When and How Built:
Construction began in 1992 on a swampy, challenging terrain that required innovative stabilization techniques. Designed by Ar. Arun Loomba and Associates and executed by R.S. Construction Company, the stadium was completed in just three years at a cost of ₹250 million. It was inaugurated on 22 November 1993 with a thrilling One Day International (ODI) between India and South Africa, marking Punjab’s entry into the international cricketing arena. The rapid transformation of the site into a world-class venue remains a remarkable achievement.
Purpose:
The Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) envisioned the stadium as a state-of-the-art facility to bring international cricket to Punjab, a region previously without such a venue. Beyond hosting global matches, it aimed to nurture local talent, promote grassroots cricket, and serve as a hub for domestic tournaments. Over the decades, it has lived up to this vision, becoming a cornerstone of Punjab’s cricketing identity.
Significant Events:
In 2015, the stadium was renamed in honor of Inderjit Singh Bindra, a legendary cricket administrator instrumental in elevating Indian cricket’s global stature. It has hosted landmark events, including:
- The 1996 World Cup Semi-Final between Australia and West Indies, a dramatic encounter etched in cricket lore.
- The 2011 World Cup Semi-Final between India and Pakistan, a match that doubled as a diplomatic spectacle attended by leaders of both nations.
- Regular Indian Premier League (IPL) matches as the home ground of the Punjab Kings, delivering countless T20 thrillers.

Location and Accessibility

Strategically located, the Mohali Stadium balances accessibility with a serene setting.

Where:
The stadium is situated in Sector-63, S.A.S Nagar, Mohali - 160062, Punjab, India, just outside the bustling city of Chandigarh. This positioning offers a peaceful escape while remaining close to urban amenities.
How to Reach:
- Air: The Chandigarh International Airport, approximately 15 kilometers away, is the nearest air hub. A 20-30 minute taxi or cab ride brings you to the stadium gates.
- Road: Mohali enjoys excellent road connectivity, with frequent bus services from Chandigarh, Ludhiana, and Amritsar. Taxis and ride-sharing apps like Uber are widely available.
- Rail: The Chandigarh Railway Station, about 12 kilometers from the venue, is the closest rail link. From there, a short auto-rickshaw or taxi ride completes the journey.
Nearby Landmarks:
Chandigarh’s iconic attractions—such as the artistic Rock Garden, tranquil Sukhna Lake, and the architectural marvel of the Capitol Complex (a UNESCO World Heritage Site)—are within easy reach, making a match day a perfect excuse for a broader exploration.
Recent Developments:
While IPL matches have shifted to the new Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur since 2024, the Mohali Stadium continues to thrive as a venue for international and domestic cricket, with plans for further upgrades.

Architecture and Design

The Mohali Stadium blends practicality with innovation, creating an exceptional experience for players and spectators alike.

Seating Capacity:
With a capacity of 26,950, the stadium offers an intimate yet vibrant atmosphere. Seating is divided into:
- North Pavilion: Premium seating with superior views.
- South Pavilion: A mix of general and VIP options.
- East and West Stands: Affordable sections ensuring inclusivity for all fans.
Unique Features:
- Floodlights: The stadium features 16 low-height floodlights, a rare design necessitated by its proximity to Chandigarh Airport. This setup avoids aviation conflicts while providing excellent illumination for night matches, enhancing both safety and spectacle.
- Pitch: Once known for its lightning-fast, bowler-friendly nature, the pitch has evolved into a batsman’s delight with a hard, bouncy surface. It often retains a slight green tinge early on, assisting fast bowlers, but flattens out to favor high scores. In Test matches, spinners find assistance as the surface wears.
Field and Pitch Characteristics:
- Outfield: The lush, well-maintained grass ensures one of India’s fastest outfields, enabling quick ball movement and spectacular fielding.
- Pitch Stats: In ODIs, the average first-innings score is around 270, while T20Is average 170. In Tests, it has produced massive totals, like New Zealand’s 630/6d in 2003, reflecting its batting-friendly evolution.

Famous Matches and Events

The Mohali Stadium has been a crucible for cricketing greatness.

Memorable Matches:
- 1996 World Cup Semi-Final (Australia vs. West Indies): A collapse of 8 wickets for 37 runs handed Australia a famous victory, showcasing the stadium’s early flair for drama.
- 2011 World Cup Semi-Final (India vs. Pakistan): Watched by millions, this match transcended sport, with India’s win propelling them to World Cup glory. The presence of both nations’ Prime Ministers added a historic dimension.
- 2007 Test (India vs. Pakistan): A gripping draw where India fell one wicket short of victory, and Pakistan clung on with their last pair.
- IPL Highlights: As the Punjab Kings’ home, it has hosted classics like the 2014 Eliminator, where a 226-run chase stunned Chennai Super Kings.
Records:
- Highest Test Total: 630/6d by New Zealand vs. India (2003).
- Highest Individual Score: 187 by Shikhar Dhawan in his debut Test vs. Australia (2013).
- Best Bowling: 8/86 by Javagal Srinath vs. Pakistan (1999).
- Fastest Century: Virender Sehwag’s 69-ball ton vs. New Zealand in an ODI (2009).
Other Events:
The stadium is a regular host for domestic tournaments like the Ranji Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy, fostering Punjab’s cricketing talent.

Facilities

The Mohali Stadium ensures a top-tier experience for all stakeholders.

Spectators:
- Seating: Comfortable with excellent sightlines across all sections. The North Pavilion offers padded seats, while the East and West Stands cater to budget-conscious fans.
- Food: Stalls serve a mix of Punjabi favorites like chole bhature and universal options like burgers and soft drinks.
- Parking: Ample spaces, including designated areas for VIPs and differently-abled visitors.
Players:
- Dressing Rooms: Spacious and modern, with recovery facilities and massage areas.
- Practice Nets: Multiple high-quality nets allow teams to hone their skills pre-match.
Media:
- Broadcasting: A cutting-edge media center with high-speed internet and advanced camera setups supports seamless live coverage.
- Press Box: Well-equipped for journalists to report the action in real-time.

Unique Features

The stadium’s distinctive elements elevate it above the ordinary.

Floodlights:
The 16 low-height floodlights are both functional and visually striking, ensuring flawless night games without towering structures.
Drainage System:
A herringbone drainage system—one of India’s best—clears rainwater in 25-30 minutes, minimizing disruptions and showcasing engineering excellence.
Stands Named After Legends:
In 2022, stands were named after Punjab’s cricketing icons Harbhajan Singh and Yuvraj Singh, honoring their contributions and inspiring future stars.
Sustainability:
Solar panels on the roof reflect a commitment to eco-friendly operations, setting a benchmark for other venues.

Fan Experience

A match at Mohali is a sensory delight.

Atmosphere:
The roaring crowd—especially during IPL clashes and India-Pakistan showdowns—creates an electric vibe. The compact seating ensures fans feel immersed in the action, with flags waving and chants echoing.
Reviews:
Fans rave about the clear views, lively ambiance, and easy access to Chandigarh’s attractions. One visitor described it as “a festival of cricket—energy everywhere you look.”
Extras:
During IPL seasons, fan zones offer games, merchandise, and giant screens, complemented by live music and cheerleaders.

🌍Pitch Report & Conditions

The I.S. Bindra Punjab Cricket Association Stadium, commonly known as Mohali Stadium, is a celebrated cricketing venue located in Mohali, Punjab, just outside Chandigarh. Renowned for its rich history and electrifying atmosphere, it has hosted numerous international and domestic matches across all formats since its inauguration in 1993. The pitch at Mohali is a critical element of its identity, known for its evolving nature and ability to produce thrilling contests. Below, we dive into how the pitch behaves in T20, ODI, and Test cricket, supported by historical data and insights into playing conditions.

T20 Format

Pitch Characteristics:
The Mohali pitch in T20 matches is widely regarded as batsman-friendly. Its hard, bouncy surface ensures the ball comes onto the bat quickly, enabling aggressive stroke play and high-scoring encounters. Early in the game, particularly under floodlights, the pitch often retains a slight green tinge, offering some assistance to fast bowlers with swing and seam movement. However, this help diminishes as the match progresses, leaving batsmen in a dominant position. Spinners typically find it challenging to extract grip or turn, though clever variations in pace and flight can still yield wickets.
Typical Scores:
The average first-innings score in T20 Internationals (T20Is) at Mohali hovers around 170, reflecting a surface that balances opportunities for batsmen and bowlers. However, the pitch’s batting-friendly nature has also seen totals soar past 200 in competitive games.
Historical Example:
A standout T20I moment came in 2016 when Australia successfully chased 211 against India. This match underscores the pitch’s potential for high-scoring chases and its favorability to batsmen once the ball loses its early shine.
Key Insights:
- Fast bowlers can exploit early conditions, especially in night games.
- Batsmen thrive as the pitch flattens out.
- Spinners must rely on skill rather than pitch assistance.

ODI Format

Pitch Characteristics:
In One Day Internationals (ODIs), the Mohali pitch continues to favor batsmen, offering a hard and true surface that supports fluent stroke play throughout the 50 overs. Fast bowlers may find some movement with the new ball, particularly in day games with early moisture, but the pitch typically settles into a flat, batsman-friendly state as the innings progresses. In the middle overs, spinners can come into play, especially on used pitches that begin to wear, providing some turn and grip.
Typical Scores:
The average first-innings score in ODIs at this venue is around 270, indicative of its competitive yet high-scoring nature. On its best days, the pitch has supported totals approaching 400.
Historical Example:
In 2007, India smashed 392/4 against Sri Lanka, a testament to the pitch’s capacity for massive scores when batsmen get set. This game highlights how the surface rewards attacking play once the early challenges are navigated.
Key Insights:
- Early swing and seam movement for pacers in the first 5-10 overs.
- Ideal for batting in the middle and late stages.
- Spinners gain assistance as the pitch wears, particularly in day-night matches.

Test Format

Pitch Characteristics:
The Test pitch at Mohali has undergone a notable evolution. Historically, it was celebrated for its pace and bounce, making it a haven for fast bowlers with its lively, seam-friendly conditions. Over time, however, it has transitioned into a more batsman-friendly surface, producing towering totals. Early in a Test match, fast bowlers can still extract movement and bounce, especially on Day 1, but the pitch tends to flatten out by Days 2 and 3, favoring batsmen. As the game extends into Days 4 and 5, wear and tear bring spinners into the contest, offering turn and grip that can challenge even set batsmen.
Typical Scores:
The pitch has witnessed colossal totals, such as New Zealand’s 630/6d in 2003, reflecting its modern batting-friendly character. Yet, it remains capable of assisting bowlers, particularly in the later stages.
Historical Example:
New Zealand’s 630/6d against India in 2003 stands as a benchmark for the pitch’s batting potential in Tests. Conversely, spinners have also shone in matches where the pitch deteriorated, balancing the contest over five days.
Key Insights:
- Fast bowlers enjoy early assistance, especially in the first session.
- Batsmen dominate on a flattening pitch mid-match.
- Spinners become pivotal as the surface wears, adding variety to the game.

Weather and Environmental Influences

Climate Impact:
Mohali’s weather plays a significant role in pitch behavior:
- Summer (March to June): Hot and dry conditions result in a hard, bouncy pitch that favors batsmen with consistent pace and carry.
- Winter (November to February): Cooler temperatures and morning dew or moisture can assist seam bowlers early in the day, particularly in Tests and ODIs.
Unique Design Factor:
The stadium’s proximity to Chandigarh International Airport led to the installation of 16 low-height floodlights, a distinctive feature that ensures excellent illumination for night games without interfering with aviation. However, this setup can occasionally affect batsman visibility during evening matches, adding a subtle challenge.
Drainage System:
The stadium boasts a herringbone drainage system, one of India’s finest, clearing rainwater in 25-30 minutes. This ensures the pitch remains playable even after rain, maintaining its condition and minimizing disruptions.

Historical Context and Pitch Evolution

Past vs. Present:
Once known as a lightning-fast, bowler-friendly track, the Mohali pitch has evolved into a batsman’s delight over the decades. This shift is evident in the massive totals recorded in recent years across formats, though it retains enough variety to keep bowlers in the game, especially spinners in Tests. As of 2021, no major renovations have been reported, but ongoing maintenance and natural wear continue to shape its character.
Supporting Data:
- T20: Australia’s 211 chase (2016) highlights its batting-friendly T20 credentials.
- ODI: India’s 392/4 (2007) showcases its ODI scoring potential.
- Test: New Zealand’s 630/6d (2003) marks its Test batting dominance.

Summary of Pitch Behavior Across Formats

T20 Format:
Batsman-friendly with early help for fast bowlers; average first-innings score ~170, with potential for 200+ totals.
ODI Format:
Favors batsmen after an early bowling window; average first-innings score ~270, with 350+ possible on good days.
Test Format:
Evolved from pace-friendly to batsman-friendly, with spinners impactful late; capable of massive totals yet balanced over five days.

The pitch at the I.S. Bindra Punjab Cricket Association Stadium is characterized by its hard, bouncy surface, making it predominantly batsman-friendly across all formats. While it offers early assistance to fast bowlers and later opportunities for spinners in Tests, its reputation as a high-scoring venue is well-earned, delivering memorable cricketing spectacles for fans and players alike.

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FAQ

Mohali Stadium Frequently asked questions and answers

The pitch at the I.S. Bindra Punjab Cricket Association Stadium is primarily batting-friendly, especially in limited-overs formats like ODIs and T20s. Known for its hard, bouncy surface, it tends to favor batsmen as the game progresses, often leading to high-scoring encounters. In the early stages of a match, particularly in Test cricket, the pitch may have a slight green tinge, offering some assistance to fast bowlers. However, it typically flattens out over time, making it ideal for stroke play. In longer formats, spinners can also find turn and grip as the pitch wears, adding variety to the game. Historically, this ground has seen massive totals, such as New Zealand’s 630/6d in a 2003 Test match, reinforcing its reputation as a batsman’s paradise.

The stadium boasts a seating capacity of 26,950 spectators, offering an intimate yet vibrant atmosphere for cricket fans. The seating is thoughtfully divided into various sections:

North Pavilion: Premium seating with padded chairs and excellent views of the pitch.
South Pavilion: A blend of general and VIP seating options.

East and West Stands: More budget-friendly sections, ensuring accessibility for a broad audience.
Despite its moderate size compared to some of India’s larger venues, the stadium’s layout ensures that every seat provides a clear sightline to the action, enhancing the spectator experience.

The stadium is located in Sector-63, S.A.S Nagar, Mohali - 160062, Punjab, India, just outside Chandigarh. The nearest airport is Chandigarh International Airport, approximately 15 kilometers away. Here are the best ways to reach the stadium:

By Taxi or Cab: The easiest and most popular option is to hire a taxi or use a ride-sharing service like Uber or Ola. The trip takes about 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
By Local Transport: Local buses or auto-rickshaws are also available, though they may require more planning and time compared to a direct cab ride.
Its close proximity to the airport makes the stadium highly accessible for travelers arriving by air.

The Mohali Stadium has hosted several unforgettable cricketing spectacles:

1996 World Cup Semi-Final (Australia vs. West Indies): A thrilling match where West Indies suffered a dramatic collapse, losing 8 wickets for 37 runs, paving the way for Australia’s victory.
2011 World Cup Semi-Final (India vs. Pakistan): An emotionally charged encounter watched by millions, with India defeating Pakistan in a match attended by dignitaries from both countries.
2007 Test Match (India vs. Pakistan): A nail-biting draw where India came agonizingly close to victory, with Pakistan surviving thanks to their last pair of batsmen.
IPL Highlights: As the home ground of the Punjab Kings, the stadium has seen electrifying T20 games, including the 2014 IPL Eliminator, where Punjab chased down 226 against Chennai Super Kings.
These matches have etched the stadium’s name into cricket folklore, blending sporting brilliance with unforgettable drama.

Yes, the stadium is equipped with excellent facilities to ensure a comfortable visit:

Food Options: A variety of food stalls offer something for everyone, including Punjabi delicacies like chole bhature and paneer tikka, as well as international favorites such as burgers, pizzas, and soft drinks. Both vegetarian and non-vegetarian choices are available.

Parking: The venue provides ample parking spaces, with designated areas for VIPs and differently-abled visitors. The parking is secure and conveniently located near the entry gates, making it easy for spectators to access the stadium.
These amenities allow fans to enjoy the match without worrying about practical concerns.

Tickets for matches at the I.S. Bindra Stadium can be purchased through several convenient channels:

Online Platforms: The most popular method is booking tickets via the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) website or trusted ticketing partners like BookMyShow. Online purchases allow you to choose your preferred seats and avoid queues.
Box Office: Tickets are also available at the stadium’s box office, ideal for those who prefer buying in person. However, availability may be limited for high-profile matches, so early purchase is recommended.

Official Partners: For some events, tickets may be sold through sponsors or official partners, with details typically announced closer to the match date.
For marquee events like international fixtures or IPL games, booking well in advance is advised to secure the best spots.