OUR SPORTS REPORTER
GUWAHATI: Devajit Saikia, the secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), believes that the selection of Guwahati as a new Test venue, along with its inclusion as a host for the upcoming ICC Women’s World Cup, will create new avenues for the growth of cricket in Assam and the entire North East. He anticipates significant benefits for young cricketers in the region.
The Apex Council of the BCCI on Saturday held a meeting in Kolkata, where it finalized the venues for the upcoming Women’s World Cup and the two-Test series between India and South Africa, as well as India and the West Indies. Guwahati has been chosen as one of the five venues for the Women’s World Cup. Additionally, the city will host its first-ever Test match in November, with South Africa visiting for the series.
Speaking to the media, Saikia shared his excitement, saying, “It’s a great piece of news that Guwahati will be the first Test cricket venue in the entire North East. No Test or World Cup matches have been held in Guwahati before, so this is a significant milestone. Guwahati will host both events this year. South Africa will come to Guwahati to play the Test match. The series will feature two Tests, three ODIs, and five T20Is, with the second Test match taking place in Guwahati starting on November 22 at the ACA Stadium, Barsapara.”
Regarding the Women’s World Cup, Saikia remarked, “Five venues have been selected for the competition, and Guwahati is among them. Each venue will host at least five matches during the competition, which begins on September 24.”
It may be mentioned here that ICC Women’s ODI World Cup Qualifier 2025 will take place from April 9 to 19 in Pakistan. This tournament, featuring six teams, will determine the final two spots for the 2025 Women’s World Cup. The number of host venues will be increased if Pakistan qualifies, as they will play at a neutral venue in that case.
Saikia is optimistic about the positive outcomes of hosting these two major events. He believes it will benefit cricket in the region, saying, “This new development will greatly contribute to the growth of cricket here. We already have some cricketers either representing India or on the verge of making it to the national team. I am confident that the successful hosting of these events will further improve the cricketing landscape. I am especially hopeful that the ICC Women’s World Cup will ignite a new wave of enthusiasm for women’s cricket in Assam.”
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