Dharamsala
Following their match against India on Sunday, the New Zealand cricket team and their families had the privilege of meeting His Holiness the Dalai Lama at his residence in McLeodganj, a charming hill station situated on the outskirts of Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh. This picturesque location offers a backdrop of the snow-covered Dhauladhar range. His Holiness, the Dalai Lama, dressed in traditional maroon robes, spent approximately an hour interacting with the players, sharing thoughts, and even playfully engaging with them, such as tickling one player’s beard or gently patting another on the cheek or nose, showcasing his genuine warmth and affection for others. Several players sought His Holiness’s blessings, and they all enjoyed the meeting, according to an official from the Dalai Lama’s office. His Holiness also kindly allowed them to take photographs with him. The New Zealand team is slated to play against Australia at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) stadium in Dharamsala in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup on October 28. The HPCA stadium, located about 250 kilometers from the state capital Shimla, has nine wickets and a seating capacity of 22,000 people. It’s worth noting that the Dalai Lama had to cancel his planned trip to Sikkim and Karnataka in November-December due to the advice of doctors following a recent bout of flu. His Holiness has been living in exile in India since escaping Tibet during a failed uprising in 1959.
