Dharamshala has been chosen to host two Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket matches in season 2010. This is the first time that the IPL matches have been allotted to the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA).

Two IPL matches will be played at the International Cricket Stadium in Dharamsala on April 16 and 18, HPCA president Anurag Thakur was quoted in the media. The first match would be a day and night affair, while the second one on April 18 would be played during the day, he said.

Anurag Thakur said the Himachal Pradesh government had been requested to extend the Gaggal airport to accommodate the landing of bigger aircrafts and to make provision for night landing facilities.

He also informed the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has also decided to hold the National Indoor Games 2010 in the state. Thakur said the games would be held at various venues, but mainly in the newly built indoor stadium in Dharamsala.

The IPL matches will turnout to be big business for Dharamshala. About 700 rooms for cricket players, officials, media teams, technicians etc would be required besides thousands of cricket lovers are expected to visit the town to watch the matches.

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