The North-east state of India, Assam looksset to get the taste of the Indian Premier League for the first time. Ifeverything goes according to the plan then Rajasthan Royals could play three ofits Indian Premier League (IPL) fixtures at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati.Rajasthan Royals play their home games at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur.
However, the franchise has requested the BCCIto allot a few of its games in Assam. The Rajasthan-based outfit has reportedlygot the green light to play in Guwahati. According to a report in Sportstar,the Supreme Court-appointed Committee of Administrators (CoA), which overlookedthe administration of the BCCI till October 23, acceptedthe franchise's request.
It would be now interesting to see how the new office-bearers ledby president Sourav Ganguly deal with the matter. Meanwhile, the minutes of theCoA meeting on August 13 this year, states that the committee 'approved afranchise's request to play three of its matches' at the Barsapara Stadium. Theminutes, however, did not reveal the name of the franchise but the news outlethas reported that Rajasthan Royals were the ones who requested it.
"One of the other franchises had also made a request to play atLucknow and Royals' choice was Guwahati," a member of the CoA was quoted assaying by Sportstar.
Rajasthan Royals' chief operating officer, Jake Lush McCrum, hadvisited the Barsapara stadium earlier this year. He was accompanied by Royals'local youngster Riyan Parag. McCrum had inspected the stadium before having atalk with the Assam Cricket Association officials.
"The Rajasthan Royals officials have had several discussions with us and it would be a great thing for the entire northeast if the IPL matches are held here. But as of now, we haven't heard anything formally," Assam Cricket Association chief Devajit Saikia said.
Meanwhile, Rajasthan Royals are well experienced in playing at neutral venues. In the past, they played their home games in Ahmedabad as well as the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai. Hosting of IPL games in Guwahati will also help the game develop in the north-eastern states who do not boast of rich cricketing history.
