DHARAMSHALA: At the invitation of the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA), His Holiness the Dalai Lama today graced the fourth one-day international match between India and West Indies here at the HPCA stadium in Dharamshala.

His Holiness met all the players and support staff of the two teams and presented khatags, white Tibetan ceremonial scarves, as a symbol of blessing and good fortune.

HIs Holiness was later joined by Mr. P K Dhumal, former chief minister of Himachal Pradesh and Mr. Anurag Thakur, President of HPCA and member of parliament.

“It is a great honour for us that His Holiness has confirmed his presence for the match. He is usually travelling around the world but this time he happens to be in the country,” Sanjay Sharma, spokesperson at Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) told media persons earlier.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama stayed for about an hour watching the match before returning back to his residence. His Holiness last visited the stadium in 2012 during an IPL match between King’s XI Punjab and Chennai Super Kings.

The 3rd one-day international match between India and West Indies at Vizag was canceled following the devastation caused by cyclone Hudhud which hit the eastern coast of India last Sunday.

This is the second-ever ODI match being played at the HPCA stadium. The venue has also hosted several IPL matches in the past few years.