Guwahati Set to Make Cricket History as Northeast’s First Test and World Cup Venue

Guwahati, Assam’s bustling largest city, is gearing up to etch its name in cricket history as the northeast region’s inaugural Test match venue, announced BCCI General Secretary Devajit Saikia on Sunday. The city will also host its first-ever World Cup fixture later this year during the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup, marking a double milestone for the region.

Speaking about the decision finalized at the BCCI apex council meeting on Saturday, Saikia said, “Guwahati has never hosted a Test match or a World Cup game until now. That changes this year with both events scheduled here.” The Assam Cricket Association (ACA) Stadium will welcome the Indian men’s team for the second Test of a two-match series against South Africa, starting November 22, officially placing Guwahati on the global Test cricket stage.

Adding to the excitement, the ACA Stadium is slated to host five to six matches of the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup, running from September 24 to November 2. “The schedule is still being worked out, but Guwahati has been confirmed as a key venue,” Saikia noted, highlighting the significance of bringing World Cup cricket to the northeast for the first time.

Saikia, a former ACA general secretary, expressed gratitude to ICC Chairman Jay Shah and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for their pivotal roles in elevating Guwahati’s status as a cricketing hub. With these landmark events, the city is poised to become a celebrated destination for cricket enthusiasts across the region and beyond.