Maharaja Yadavindra Singh Cricket Stadium (AKA New PCA Stadium)

The Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, AKA, New PCA Stadium New Chandigarh, is one of the newest cricket grounds used for the Indian Premier League. 

Home to the Punjab Kings from the start of the 2024 IPL season, it took more than a decade to build and open the ground after it was announced by the Punjab Cricket Association. 

Sometimes known as New Punjab Cricket Association Stadium, the Mullanpur ground has a capacity of 38,000, so it is one of India's biggest. 

Named after the ninth and final ruling Maharaja of Patiala, Yadavindra Singh, the ground boasts a sophisticated herringbone drainage system. 

The aim of the system is to get water drained from the surface in half an hour, which should help to ensure that the stadium is not hit by rain. 

Initially, the stadium was built as an open-air ground but the aim is to have canopies in place soon, to help shield supporters from the baking sun. The stadium is also notable for having around 50 corporate boxes - more than most stadiums in India. 

There was a partial delay in construction because of complications due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Our OCB guide to the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium - AKA the PCA New Stadium - tells you all you need to know so read on. 

Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium Pitch Report

Dambulla is known for a bowler-friendly pitch, with seamers tending to thrive in morning sessions. This is because of the high-water table, but as matches go on spin has more impact. 

The Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium pitch report shows the surface can start to crumble and break down, giving more assistance to the spinners. 

Spin's impact was seen by Sri Lanka's big win against West Indies at the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium in 2024, when the visitors were bowled out for just 89. 

However, it is a pace bowler - Matheesha Pathirana, the 'Baby Malinga' - who has the best limited-overs figures at Dambulla having taken 4-24 in a T20I against Afghanistan. 

Pathan Nissanka is one of a trio of players to have scored a T20I century on this ground. 

During 2024, the average first innings score in T20s at Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium was over 191, so it is possible to pile up large totals on this ground. 

Fast bowlers have the highest economy rate on this ground, with batters able to get them away. But they have some of the lowest bowling averages, so they are still a wicket-taking threat here. 

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