Guwahati T20I: BCCI to ‘monitor’ situation in wake of CAB protests

The BCCI and Assam Cricket Association will be “closely monitoring” the security situation in Guwahati keeping in mind the January 5 T20 between India and Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka will tour India for a three-match T20 International series, starting at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati.

The BCCI and Assam Cricket Association (ACA) will be “closely monitoring” the security situation in Guwahati in the wake of protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, keeping in mind the January 5 T20 International between India and Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka will tour India for a three-match T20 International series, starting at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati.

“Right now, we cannot comment on whether T20 International in Guwahati will happen or not. All the authorities (state Police, Home Ministry) will be monitoring the situation. We have to wait for some time. There are still three weeks to go so we have to be hopeful,” said Assam CA vice-president Parikshit Dutta.

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Due to protests in Guwahati, the fourth day’s play in the Ranji Trophy match between Assam and Services was cancelled, and the players remained in their hotels.

Biding time

A U-19 Cooch Behar Trophy match between Assam and Odisha in Nagaun also had to be called off and the visiting team was forced to stay in a hotel on the highway to avoid conflict areas.

The Jharkhand team that completed its Ranji assignment against Tripura in Agartala is currently in Kolkata, waiting for BCCI’s approval for its next away encounter against Assam, starting December 17.

The BCCI officials are, however, hopeful of normalcy prevailing in Guwahati within the next three weeks.

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“At this point, it will be premature to comment that India versus Sri Lanka game will be shifted. Yes, we are all monitoring the security situation and close to the date, we will take a call. For the time being, BCCI will ‘wait and watch’,” a senior BCCI functionary said.

Asked if the board will be ready with an alternate venue if Guwahati is unable to host the match, the official said: “Right now, we haven’t zeroed in on any alternate venues but we always keep back-up options ready in case of unforeseen circumstances. For now, let’s hope that normalcy returns and we can have the match as per schedule.”