Guwahati steps into cricket’s oldest and most demanding format on Saturday as it prepares to host its maiden Test match, marking a landmark moment for the sport in the Northeast. India’s second and final Test against South Africa will be played at the Assam Cricket Association (ACA) Stadium in Barsapara, a venue that has steadily grown in stature since replacing the old Nehru Stadium as the region’s cricketing hub.
The city, often described as the Gateway to the Northeast, has hosted international fixtures for four decades and earlier this year staged ICC Women’s World Cup matches for the first time. Its elevation to Test status is being hailed across Assam’s cricketing fraternity.
“It will be a historic day for all of us. To be recognised as a Test venue is a dream for every cricket-loving region. And it is happening tomorrow,” BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, a former first-class cricketer from Assam, informed.
Saikia said Guwahati’s journey had been built on years of successful hosting. “Guwahati has been hosting ODIs since 1983. World Cup matches were also held here this year during the ICC Women’s World Cup. The successful hosting of the matches over the years and development of top-class facilities have ensured this proud moment for Guwahati,” he said.
The match will begin at 9 a.m., half an hour earlier than the standard start across Indian venues, to account for the region’s early sunrise and sunset. The traditional lunch and tea breaks have also been reversed.
“Change in timings and the breaks have been necessitated due to local daylight conditions. The tradition of ringing of bell to mark the start of each day's play is being followed,” Saikia said.
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For former Assam cricketer Bimal Bharali, who represented the state in the 1970s and 80s, the occasion carries deep emotional weight.
“It was nearly unimaginable during our time that Guwahati will be hosting Tests. Facilities were very basic. It is wonderful that not just ODIs and T20Is, but Test has also come to our city,” he said. Bharali was part of the East Zone squad that played a touring England side in 1976.
Sports journalist Abdul Gani said the city’s new status reflects its steady rise on the cricketing map.
“Guwahati has become the 30th Test venue in the country. As sports reporters, it is a proud moment that we will be watching and reporting on the oldest format of the game live,” he said.
“We have been covering the international matches since it were played in Nehru Stadium. And have first-hand seen the massive improvement in infrastructure, be it the ground or media centre or stands,” he added.
He said crowd enthusiasm, bolstered by IPL fixtures that made Guwahati the second home for Rajasthan Royals—had played a decisive role in shaping the city’s profile as a dependable venue.
The excitement is shared by fans who have long hoped to see red-ball cricket come to the Northeast.
“Test cricket holds a different charm. It is wrong to assume that youngsters do not follow this format. We will be catching the live action in the Stadium,” young cricket enthusiast Abhinash Kalita said.
Office-goer Ananya Baruah said the weekend start was a welcome bonus.
“I will be able to at least watch the first two days of the match. And if I can manage, I will take leave from office for the rest of the days, depending on how it plays out,” she said, hoping India bounce back after the Eden Gardens defeat in the opening Test.
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