Rajasthan Royals arrive in city for first home game

By Our Sports Reporter

GUWAHATI: The city is gearing up to host its first IPL match of the season as Rajasthan Royals arrived in Guwahati today ahead of their first home game. They will face Kolkata Knight Riders under floodlights at the ACA Stadium on March 26.

Kolkata Knight Riders, who played the season opener, arrived in the city yesterday and held their first practice session at the ACA Stadium this afternoon, spending nearly two and a half hours at the venue. The session started with light drills followed by intense net session.

Meanwhile, their opponents, Rajasthan Royals, led by captain Riyan Parag, touched down in Guwahati today. The side has decided to play their first two home games in Guwahati, with the second match scheduled for March 30, where they will face Chennai Super Kings. The Royals will visit the ACA Stadium for their first practice session on Tuesday.

Large crowed are expected on both the matches and the Assam Cricket Association has announced that the stadium gates will open three hours before the match starts. Senior official of the Assam Cricket Association, Parikshit Dutta, said that all gates will open by 4:30 PM, with gates five and six opening half an hour earlier due to higher entry of crowed expected through those gates. Dutta also reminded fans that only wallets and mobile phones will be allowed inside the stadium.

In addition, comprehensive plans have been made to manage traffic around the stadium on match days. Jayanta Sarathi Borah, DCP  (Trafic), Guwahati, informed the media that  commercial goods carriers and slow-moving vehicles will not be allowed to move on major routes such as B.K. Kakati Road, A.K. Azad Road, and Dr. Bhupen Hazarika Path from 2 PM to midnight on both match days. A.K. Azad Road will also function as a one-way route from Lalganeh Tiniali to Cycle Factory Tiniali from 3 PM onward. Similarly, Kula Basumatary Road (Barsapara Road) will be a one-way stretch from Barsapara Tiniali to Dhirenpara Tiniali during the same hours. Emergency vehicles, however, will be exempt from these restrictions.

Also Read: Germany hold off spirited Italy to reach Nations League semifinals

Also Watch: