New Chandigarh: Punjab cricket reached a historic milestone on Saturday as the New Chandigarh Cricket Stadium officially became a Test cricket venue with the start of the inaugural Test match between India and Afghanistan.
The landmark moment was marked by Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) Honorary Secretary Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer, who rang the ceremonial bell before play began, formally inaugurating the stadium’s journey as a Test venue under the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
With its inclusion in the elite list of Test grounds, the New Chandigarh facility has become the third Test venue in Punjab and the 31st Test cricket venue in India. The achievement is being seen as a major boost for cricket infrastructure in the state and a reflection of Punjab’s growing stature in Indian cricket.
The stadium’s elevation to Test status is expected to pave the way for more high-profile international fixtures, providing cricket fans in the region with greater opportunities to witness top-level action.
Punjab Cricket Association officials hailed the occasion as a defining moment for the sport in the state, describing it as another proud addition to Punjab’s rich cricketing heritage.
The India-Afghanistan Test not only marks the beginning of a new chapter for the venue but also strengthens Punjab’s position as an important destination on the country’s cricket calendar.
