HPCA’s Scoring Legacy: Himachal’s Contribution to World Cricket Grows Stronger
Nestled in the lap of the mighty Dhauladhar ranges, the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) has earned global recognition for its world-class cricket stadium in Dharamsala. But beyond its breathtaking infrastructure, Himachal cricket is making a mark through its highly skilled technical staff—particularly its elite scorers.
Arvind Sharma
May 5, 2025 11:03
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Dharamsala, May 5, 2025: Nestled in the lap of the mighty Dhauladhar ranges, the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) has earned global recognition for its world-class cricket stadium in Dharamsala. But beyond its breathtaking infrastructure, Himachal cricket is making a mark through its highly skilled technical staff—particularly its elite scorers.
In a remarkable journey that spans nearly three decades, Himachal has produced a five-member international scoring panel, a rare achievement in Indian cricket. The foundation for this success was laid in 1996 when Ajay Chopra and Rakesh Bakshi became the first scorers from Himachal Pradesh to be inducted into the BCCI's national scoring panel. Today, their legacy continues with a full-fledged team of five Himachali scorers operating at the international level,namely Ajay Chopra, Rakesh Bakshi, Ajay Goel, R K Raghu andSunil Jamwal.
Virender Sharma One of HPCA’s umpires has also achieved a significant milestone by earning a place on the ICC panel, further showcasing the state's growing prominence in cricket's technical sphere.
Speaking about their journey, the scorers shared, “We are proud that all of us, Himachali boys, have not only covered every national and international match held in the state but have also served in major cricketing centers across the country. It’s a job where you can’t even look away during the match, but the satisfaction is immense.”
Their impressive record includes scoring duties for two Test matches, 25 other international fixtures, and two ICC World Cups hosted by India in 2011 and 2023. They have also contributed to 15 Indian Premier League (IPL) matches. Notably, Chopra and Bakshi were the official scorers during the historic India-Pakistan friendly, the first international match played at Dharamsala’s scenic stadium.
The HPCA’s commitment to excellence, both on and off the field, continues to elevate Himachal’s stature in the world of cricket.
