CHANDIGARH: The Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh (Mullanpur) will host its first international fixtures next week when the Indian women’s team take on Australia in two One Day Internationals (ODIs) on Sept 14 and 17, as part of the Australia women’s tour of India.In the run-up to the matches, the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) has been focusing on preparations, with the prolonged rainfall in the region emerging as a key concern. PCA president Amarjit Singh said the venue is fully equipped to meet international standards and that the ground staff is prepared to deal with weather-related challenges.“The drainage system is good. Even if we experience heavy rainfall, the water will clear out in a maximum of 40 to 45 minutes,” Singh said, addressing concerns about the wet conditions.Apart from the playing surface, arrangements have been made for the teams’ stay, travel, and practice. Facilities at the stadium include nets for training, a gym, and a recovery room. With a seating capacity of 38,000, the stadium is also equipped with floodlights to accommodate day-night fixtures.PCA officials said security and crowd management have been worked out in coordination with the police. The association has also ensured that the infrastructure inside the stadium matches what is expected at international venues.The two matches against Australia will mark the first time the Mullanpur stadium hosts international cricket. For the PCA, it will also be an opportunity to demonstrate that the venue can stage major fixtures
