We need every one’s support to make IPL matches successful: Devajit Saikia

GUWAHATI: It’s time for Guwahati to enter into the map of the IPL. The city is all set to host the first IPL match which is scheduled to be held at the ACA Stadium, Barsapara on April 5. The game will be followed by another IPL match on April 8. Both Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Punjab Kings, to be involved in the first game, landed in the city on Monday.

Although Rajasthan Royals planned to use ACA Stadium for a few of their home matches in 2020 but the plan was not materialized because of COVID-19. However, once the competition returned into earlier home and away format Rajasthan Royals picked up Guwahati for their first two home matches.

Justifying their decision to bring IPL matches in Guwahati, the Executive Chairman of Rajasthan Royals Ranjit Borthakur during an interaction with the local media said, “We are trying our best to develop cricket in Assam as well as the entire North East. These two matches will play an important role to reach that goal. We are thankful to the ACA for providing all necessary supports for the coming games.” He also said that the cricket academy, Rajasthan Royals started a couple of years back in Guwahati, will be restructured in the coming days and the players from the region will be highly benefited from it.

Meanwhile the joint secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Devajit Saikia also felt that these two games are crucial for Guwahati. “It is a historic moment for entire North East. If we organize these two IPL matches successfully then in the coming season other franchises may also show interest to make ACA Stadium, which is now one of the best stadiums in the country, as their home ground. We need the support from all the stakeholders to make these matches successful,” said Saikia.

He also informed that a number of cultural events are lined up for both the matches. “Traditional dances of North East and Rajasthan will be displayed before the start of the first match along with the theme song of Rajasthan Royals by Jai Barua on Wednesday. It would be followed by a spectacular laser show during the break of the game. The second match between Rajasthan Royals and Delhi Capitals will also witness cultural events before the game,” said the joint secretary of BCCI.

Meanwhile the ACA stadium got a new look as the entire stadium is covered with the poster of Rajasthan Royals players and their official logos. A huge poster of legendary cricketer Shane Warne was also placed in the stadium. Warne led Rajasthan Royals to win the first edition of IPL and he still has a special place in Rajasthan Royals even though the legendary cricketer passed away a couple years back.

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