The Tigers, a supporting act

When an Indian journalist asked Mashrafe Bin Mortaza whether the cut-off time for the ICC World T20 rankings almost two years back was fair for his team, the Bangladesh captain could only say that it was something out of their hands. But the funnier part of Bangladesh's India tour for the T20 World Cup is that it's the Tiger's first visit on Indian soil after a long gap of ten years.

Bangladesh last played in India in the ICC Champion's Trophy in 2006. In that context this trip to Dharamsala is not only the first for every Bangladesh player but also a first for many on Indian soil. It also provides Bangladesh an opportunity to turn the tide on years of non-compliance from the BCCI to accommodate a bilateral series under the pretext of 'non-profitability'.

Although Dharamsala is already abuzz with the prospect of an India-Pakistan tie here on March 19, the Tigers can seize the chance to impress the upper-reach audience of Kangra valley. During the press briefing an enthusiastic reporter asked Mashrafe how it would feel like to play in front of almost empty stands after the Asia Cup amidst a raucous home crowd. But it is not that dull for Bangladesh because if you ask someone coming from the ticket counter with tickets in hand you will discover that those are tickets for the Bangladesh game.

“I have bought 10 tickets of Bangladesh games. I knew it would be very tough to get tickets for the India-Pakistan game. I think Bangladesh is an exciting team, they are playing very good cricket,” said Sharfaraz, a young native of Dharamsala.

IMPENDING POPULATION EXPLOSION

Dharamsala is a municipal corporation in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. Located in the upper reaches of the valley, it is home to about 40,000 people. It's a popular tourist destination for its scenic beauty as well as the home of exiled Tibet leader Dalai Lama. Of late the HPCA (Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association) ground has attracted cricket fans from all over because of its magnificent surroundings.

But cricket, it appears, is causing great damage to Dharamsala's tranquility and the laid-back way of life. Think of an India-Pakistan game played here at the 24,000 capacity ground; already the online demand is for 1.83 lakh tickets. People living here believe that the city, surrounded by hills, simply cannot accommodate that many tourists. A recent study reveals that it has got 3000 accommodation facilities that include hotels at McLeod Ganj, which is located as high as 2024 metres above sea level. Dharamsala is a magnificent addition in the short list of spectacular venues. But it is certainly not a place for a commercial bonanza.