Operated by the Assam Cricket Association (ACA), the stadium is officially known as the Dr Bhupen Hazarika Cricket Stadium

The India versus South Africa Test series rekindled the magic of Test cricket in the eastern and northeastern parts of India. After all, a Test match (the first India vs. South Africa game) returned to Kolkata’s iconic Eden Gardens in six years, followed by a visit to Guwahati, Assam, for the first-ever Test match to be hosted by the Assam Cricket Association Stadium in Baraspara, Guwahati, for the second match between the Men in Blue and the Proteas.

Ahead of the second game, here are the things you should know about the Guwahati-based stadium.

History

Construction of the stadium began in 2006, and it was named the Assam Cricket Association Stadium. By 2010, a few domestic matches were played, and the association decided to rename the stadium in memory of the late Dr Bhupen Hazarika.

The first official match played in the stadium was the East Zone Senior Women's Inter-State One-Day Championship match between the Assam women's cricket team and the Odisha women's cricket team in 2012, followed by four Ranji Trophy matches in 2013-2014.

ACA Stadium has a capacity of 46,000 spectators, and, if required, the capacity can be extended to 55,000.

International stint

(Credit- Sporstar)

The ACA went international with a T20I played between India and Australia in 2018, followed by five more games (three T20Is and two ODIs). India has played two matches at this venue against Australia and lost both. However, the team won the remaining matches against South Africa, Sri Lanka, and the West Indies. The last international match played at this venue was in 2023, between India and Australia.

Home of the Rajasthan Royals

(Credit- InsideSport)

The stadium also plays a part in the Indian Premier League (IPL) despite not having a team from Assam. It is used as the second home for the team Rajasthan Royals, whose base is in Jaipur, but the franchise is heavily committed to promoting cricket in the northeast of India.

(Credit- NDTV)

This move not only promotes cricket but also helps the Royals tap into a wider fan base across the nation. Not to be forgotten, Riyan Parag, who plays for the Royals, is a local talent from Guwahati and plays a part in drawing the crowd to the stadium.

CAB-like strategy

The ACA seems to be following the strategy of the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB), which sold affordable tickets to fill Eden Gardens for the first Test. As per the ACA’s Facebook page, tickets start at INR 50 for students and INR 100 for general stands and can be booked on BookMyShow’s app.

India will take on South Africa on November 22 and aim for a victory to draw the series. After the first game’s loss and Shubman Gill being out due to an injury, Rishabh Pant will be seen donning the captain’s armband.