Our aim is to accelerate socio-economic development of Assam and NE through cricket: RR

With the Rajasthan Royals set to arrive in Guwahati on Monday, 13th May 2024, for their two home matches at the ACA Stadium against Punjab Kings (15th May) and Kolkata Knight Riders (19th May), Rajasthan Royals’ Chairperson Ranjit Barthakur and BCCI Joint Secretary Devajit Saikia addressed a press conference at the ACA Stadium in Guwahati on Saturday. The upcoming week will see Guwahati rejoice and witness some of the best cricketing action in the world, and Royals’ Chairperson Barthakur said his team is looking forward to the support that his team gets in Assam.

Barthakur said, “We are privileged to be coming back home and playing in front of such passionate supporters in Assam. Last year was a success for us as a franchise to play here, and it is a proud moment to be bringing the IPL back to the region. We are looking forward to the support of the people who have welcomed the team with open arms. Now it’s time to enjoy the best cricket in the stadium.”

Devajit Saikia also commented on the return of the IPL to the region. “Like everyone else in the NorthEast, we are excited about the two IPL matches which are set to be hosted by Guwahati. Under the leadership of Secretary, Jay Shah, and President Roger Binny, the BCCI’s endeavour has been to take cricket to every nook and corner of the country, and special importance has been given to the NorthEast and its development,” he said.

Speaking about the Royals’ vision for the NorthEast, Ranjit Barthakur said, “We have no intention of accumulating wealth by organizing the IPL in Guwahati. Our aim is the socio-economic development of Assam and NorthEast through cricket. I believe that by nurturing cricket talent, we can contribute to the overall development of Assam and NorthEast in sports, economy, and rapid employment generation. By breaking the barriers of talent and resources, we are moving forward and getting there. IPL has created an inspiring environment, and as it expands, our state will advance towards development.”

Barthakur also thanked the Assam Government, Assam Cricket Association, and BCCI Joint Secretary Devajit Saikia, saying, “The IPL’s first-ever connection to the NorthEast has provided a unique experience at the right time. Fans have shown overwhelming support and enthusiasm for our Royals. I express my gratitude to the people of Assam for welcoming the team back home. This support from fans has further bolstered our confidence. It’s a matter of pride for us because we have become stronger together. We aim to accelerate cricket development and broadcast its impact across the region.”

The Royals’ Chairperson also revealed that another focus area for the franchise in the NorthEast will be their ongoing journey of enabling empowered women. He said that the franchise’s social equity arm, the Royal Rajasthan Foundation, will be working with the Balipara Foundation, to drive significant initiatives for sustainable energy usage including solar power. Barthakur also added, “Along with the social causes, we are also looking forward to inviting the people who work behind the scenes and never get the chance to experience the IPL. We will be inviting municipal workers if the municipality allows, and have them enjoy the games. Not just them, we will also be inviting people from all walks of life to Halla Bol for the Royals.”

Barthakur and Saikia were also seen inspecting the stadium’s modern facilities to ensure preparedness for the upcoming two matches which are to be played on 15th and 19th May. It is worth noting that the inaugural IPL champions are in contention to make it to the playoffs with another win, and will be hoping to finish the league stage off with some positive cricket in Guwahati. The team led by Sanju Samson will be playing against Punjab Kings on 15th May, and will face Kolkata Knight Riders on 19th May.

Tickets for both the matches are available for purchase online for the fans on BookMyShow, along with offline Box Office at the City Centre Mall which is operational from 2-10pm, and also at the Box Office situated at Nehru Stadium, and at the South Point School.

Fans can purchase their tickets from the below link – https://in.bookmyshow.com/sports/barsapara-cricket-stadium-guwahati/ET00354767