The world's most stunning cricket ground

It's not often that when you witness something for the first time, you simply stand and stare with an expression of awe and disbelief.

I remember it happening to me in a cricket-related sense only once before. That was way back in 1983, when big hair was king, Thriller was album of the year, Star Wars - Return of the Jedi was invading cinemas and C'mon Eileen by Dexy's Midnight Runners was blaring from every car's sound system. I was on a tour to Zimbabwe and saw Victoria Falls for the first time. It was an amazing sight for a kid from South Australia and remains etched in my memory to this day.

I now have to find space for another unforgettable first impression. Upon arrival on the field of the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium on Sunday, I could not believe my eyes.

This venue in Dharamsala (pronounced Dharamshala) is spectacularly framed by the magnificent snow-capped peaks of the Dhauladar Mountain Range which claws the heavens at 17 000 feet above sea level. I was in awe. It is without doubt the most stunning cricket ground in the world.

In fact this whole Himalayan area is quite surreal.

This tranquil part of the globe is famed for its large Tibetan community, anchored by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. It is obviously steeped in history and tradition. The Tibetan Buddhist roots of Dharamsala stretch back to the 8th century but, following Indian independence in 1947, the area lost significant Buddhist status and the spiritual practice descended into obscurity.

The Dalai Lama is largely responsible for the renewed profile of Dharamsala following his relocation here, along with the Tibetan Government in Exile, in 1959. His headquarters are 10 kms from the stadium and the spiritual principles of Buddhism in the area are once again very apparent.

At one time, due to its pleasant climate, Dharamsala was talked about as becoming the summer capital of India. These plans were however abruptly halted and the serenity jolted when much of the town was destroyed in the 7.8 magnitude earthquake of 4 April 1905. This disaster killed over 10 000 people in this sparsely populated area.

Today it is a haven for tourists from all parts of the world as they come here to experience the area's stunning beauty and spirituality, and of course, hope for that rare chance meeting with the Dalai Lama.

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