The fan experience during an India cricket match is not always the best. It begins with vehicle parking a few kilometres away from the venue followed by serpentine queues hours before the toss, heavy frisking by mostly high-handed security personnel at the gates and then extremely expensive food and drink. However, it was a refreshing change to see the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) authorities organise numerous free and entertaining fan-engagement activities during the India v New Zealand game on Sunday.

A cricket enthusiast faces deliveries in the bowling simulator at the HPCA Stadium yesterday