New Delhi: North-East, with Assam in particular, will no longer remain an ‘outcast’ for the Indian Premier League (IPL) organizers as two matches are set to take place in Guwahati stadium on April 5 & April 8.
This will be the first match of IPL tournament to be held not just in Assam but whole of North-East, ever since inception of cash-rich tournament in 2008.
Guwahati will host the maiden matches on April 5 & 8, where Rajasthan Royals will play, first against Punjab Kings & second against Delhi Capitals.
This was made possible as Rajasthan Royals chose Guwahati’s Barasapara as its second home ground. For all other matches, the home venue of Sanju Samson-led Rajasthan Royals is Jaipur’s Sawami Mansingh stadium.
Here are top points to know before Guwahati hosts its first IPL game:
1st ever IPL game in North-East
Guwahati is hosting its first ever IPL match in Barsapara stadium today, in which Rajasthan Royals & Punjab Kings will be locking horns. This is not just Assam’s 1st game but also of entire North-East. The Assam Cricket Association (ACA) is also excited & upbeat about hosting the cricketing extravaganza in state.
2020 event was called off due to pandemic
Prior to this year, 2020 was to see first IPL clash in Guwahati but that got called off due to outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic. That year also, Rajasthan Royals was about to play 2 matches at the same stadium.
As the IPL tournament got shifted to UAE, it lost its first chance & tryst with the IPL in 2020.
All eyes on Riyan Parag
As Rajasthan Royals plays against Punjab, all eyes will be on all-rounder Riyan Parag, hailing from Assam.
Parag being a native of Assam will see crowds cheering for him as he plays in front of his home crowd for the first time.
Laser shows planned
Ahead of its first IPL match, the ACA is set to organize laser shows & folk dances ahead of the game. Folk dancers from Assam & Rajasthan will perform.
Spacious stadium
Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati has been revamped and now stands as an impressive structure with seating capacity of over 40,000 spectators. It is largest stadium of North-East and boasts of modern architecture. It also some specially designed corporate boxes.
