While all eyes are glued at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati for the first match of T20I series between India and Sri Lanka to take place on December 5^th, 2020, dark clouds and mild showers in the morning hours have cast a doubt ahead of today’s match.

Amid the Citizenship Amendment Act(CAA) stir and protests in Assam, elaborate security arrangements have been made for the match to avoid any untoward situation.

To conduct an ‘incident-free’ match, the Assam Cricket Association (ACA) has banned carrying posters, banners and message boards inside the Barsapara Cricket Stadium.

Here are some facts to know about the Barsapara stadium. Have a look:

• Barsapara Cricket Stadium is officially known as Dr Bhupen Hazarika Cricket Stadium and nicknamed Assam Cricket Association Stadium.
• The stadium was inaugurated by Chief Minister of Assam Sarbananda Sonowal on  October 10th, 2017.
• The Barsapara Cricket Stadium is India’s 49th international cricket venue which hosts both national and international cricket matches.
• The first International cricket match that took place in the stadium was the T20I between India and Australia in 2017. India had suffered a 7-wicket loss against 122/2 Australia.
• The T20I series between India and Sri Lanka on Jan 5, 2020, will be the second T20I series after India and Australia’s 2017 match.
• The stadium is built at 24 acres of land and the expenses are believed to be around Rs 300 crore.
• The stadium has all the modern facilities with an indoor swimming pool, gym, a practice wicket, and a pavilion for the players. For the crowd, there are covered stands, place for refreshments, enough toilets.
• Keeping in view of the unpredictable weather conditions, the outfield is made out of the sand and has special technologies installed underneath so that matches resume post a shower.
• Only one ODI match has been played at the stadium, India Vs West Indies in 2018. India won the game with 8 wickets and 47 balls.
• Other matches that took place in the stadium include India Women Vs England Women in 2019, the WT20I matches were played at March 4^th, 7^th, 9^th respectively.

Photo Credit: Smita Rani Deka