If there's no major change in plans, Rajasthan Royals could play three of its Indian Premier League (IPL) fixtures at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati.
While the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur will continue to remain it's home ground, the franchise had requested the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to allot a few of its games in Assam and the Supreme Court-appointed Committee of Administrators - which looked after the cricketing affairs of the Board till October 23 - granted the franchise's request in one of its meetings.
The minutes of the CoA meeting on August 13 this year, too states that the committee 'approved a franchise's request to play three of its matches' at the Barsapara Stadium.
Even though the minutes doesn't specify the name of the franchise, the then members of the CoA have confirmed to this publication that it was Rajasthan Royals, which had made the request.
"One of the other franchise had also made a request to play at Lucknow and Royals' choice was Guwahati," a member of the CoA said.
Even though the CoA's term is over and a new panel - under the leadership of Sourav Ganguly - has taken charge at the Board, it is unlikely that the decision will be overturned.
While there was no official word from Rajasthan Royals on the matter, top officials at the BCCI confirmed that earlier this year, the franchise's chief operating officer, Jake Lush McCrum, had visited the Barsapara stadium, along with the team's local boy, Riyan Parag, to inspect the stadium and even had discussions with the Assam Cricket Association officials.
"The Rajasthan Royals officials have had several discussions with us and it would be a great thing for the entire northeast if the IPL matches are held here. But as of now, we haven't heard anything formally," Assam Cricket Association chief Devajit Saikia told Sportstar .
In the past too, Rajasthan Royals has had its 'home games' in Ahmedabad and also at the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai.
Once a dumping yard, the Barsapara Stadium hosted it's first T20I in 2017 when India played Australia. Last year too, it hosted the first ODI between India and the West Indies.
Even the India Women's T20I matches against England were held earlier this year. And now, if everything falls in place, the IPL will finally travel to the Northeast!
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