The air-conditioned lounge at the Punjab Cricket Association stadium was completely damaged after a fire gutted it on Saturday.

The fire broke out in the afternoon when renovation work on the lounge was in progress.

"The fire broke out at about 1:30 pm when welding work was going on in the AC lounge. A spark triggered the fire, which soon spread to the entire area, which was being renovated," PCA CEO Brigadier (retd) G S Sandhu said.

He, however, said there was no major loss, as most of the valuable items, including air conditioners, were kept at a safe place because of the renovation work.

A life-size photograph of former India captain Kapil Dev [Images], placed just beneath the lounge, escaped the blaze.

The fire spread quickly because the plywood meant for the work was kept on the floor of the longue.

Four fire tenders from Mohali and three from adjoining Chandigarh took less than an hour to arrest the blaze.

Eyewitnesses said thick smoke arising from the spot filled the skyline.

Mohali's Senior Superintendent of Police R S Khatra, who was at the spot along with other senior officials, said nobody was injured in the incident.

"Those involved in renovation work came down immediately and the entire hall was emptied," Khatra said.

Sandhu said it would take them about a month to repair the damage.

"We will complete the work before the upcoming IPL tournament," he said, ruling out any foul play in the accident.