Reports: Rajasthan Royals likely to play three IPL games in Guwahati

The north-east state of India, Assam looks set to get the taste of the Indian Premier League for the first time. If everything goes according to the plan then Rajasthan Royals could play three of its 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 BCCI to allot a few of its games in Assam. The Rajasthan-based outfit has reportedly got the green light to play in Guwahati. According to a report in Sportstar, the Supreme Court-appointed Committee of Administrators (CoA), which overlooked the administration of the BCCI till October 23, accepted the franchise’s request.

It would be now interesting to see how the new office-bearers led by president Sourav Ganguly deal with the matter. Meanwhile, the minutes of the CoA meeting on August 13 this year, states that the committee ‘approved a franchise’s request to play three of its matches’ at the Barsapara Stadium. The minutes, however, did not reveal the name of the franchise but the news outlet has reported that Rajasthan Royals were the ones who requested it.

“One of the other franchises had also made a request to play at Lucknow and Royals’ choice was Guwahati,” a member of the CoA was quoted as saying by Sportstar.

Rajasthan Royals’ official visits stadium in Guwahati

Rajasthan Royals’ chief operating officer, Jake Lush McCrum, had visited the Barsapara stadium earlier this year. He was accompanied by Royals’ local youngster Riyan Parag. McCrum had inspected the stadium before having a talk 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.

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