No change in match timing yet: ACA President Romen Dutta

Our Sports Reporter

GUWAHATI: Just a week is to go for India taking on Sri Lanka in the first match of the T20I series at the ACA Stadium, Barsapara here. The match is on January 5. In a chat with The Sentinel Romen Dutta, the president of the Assam Cricket Association, highlighted the preparations for the match and other areas. Here is the excerpt.

The Sentinel (TS): Another international match is knocking at the door. How is the preparation?

Ramen Dutta (RD): Preparations are going on as scheduled, and we will be ready well ahead of the two teams arrive in the city.

(TS): What is the arrival date of the two teams?

(RD): We are expecting both teams in Guwahati by January 2. Already elaborate arrangements have been done to welcome them.

(TS): What response you have received from the crowed on ticket sale?

(RD): It’s very good. Till Friday nearly 21,000 tickets were sold. We’re expecting full house on January 5.

(TS): Dew is a big factor in Guwahati. Is there any chance of preponing (advancing) the timing of the game?

(RD): Look, the match officials are the supreme authority to take a decision in this regard. If required, it will be taken after they arrive in the city and inspect the ground. But till now the kick-off time of the game is 7 in the evening.

(TS): Will any BCCI official be present at the stadium during the game?

(RD): We have invited our Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and Finance Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, the former president of the Assam Cricket Association, to witness the game. At the same time, invitation has been sent to BCCI president Saurav Ganguly and Secretary Jay Shah and other BCCI officials.

(TS): Keeping in mind the ongoing protest against CAA will there be any extra security on the match-day?

(RD): We are getting full cooperation from all quarters to host the game. The Assam Cricket Association is in constant touch with the local administration and the State Government. It also spoke to the different organizations and responses from them are very positive. Assam is famous for its hospitality, and I hope it will be maintained this time too.

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