Guwahati's Evolution as a Cricketing Hub: From Anticipation to Routine
Guwahati's Cricketing Journey
West Indies players during a training session (Photo: PTI)
Guwahati, Sept 30: About ten years ago, the prospect of an international cricket match in Guwahati would spark weeks of excitement. Securing tickets was a challenge, and local hotels and eateries experienced a surge in business as the match became a hot topic throughout the city.
However, the landscape has shifted. International cricket is now a common occurrence in Guwahati.
India is set to compete against West Indies in the second ODI on September 30 at the ACA Stadium.
For many cricket enthusiasts, this match feels like just another game.
“Indeed, the situation has changed. Hosting significant sporting events in Guwahati has become a norm. The city has matured in this aspect. As someone who has witnessed this evolution, I feel proud,” remarked former cricketer Shankar Datta Lahkar.
The 79-year-old, who has also participated in table tennis and football, has observed the growth of Guwahati's sports scene over the past fifty years. He noted that the transformation has been remarkable.
“The city has truly come into its own when it comes to hosting major international sporting events. In our era, any international match would generate hype for months. Although the facilities were not up to par, it was still a significant event back then. We awaited these matches with great anticipation,” Lahkar reminisced.
He recalled the India-Zimbabwe match in 1993 at Nehru Stadium, where fans eagerly anticipated such events.
“The stands were packed by 7 am for a match scheduled to start at 9:30 am. It was March, so you can imagine the atmosphere. But we all relished the game,” he added.
“The excitement surrounding international matches in Guwahati was unique. People would discuss the game for days, and obtaining tickets was a significant achievement.
Now that international cricket has become a regular occurrence, the thrill may not be as intense, but the passion for the sport remains,” shared Ankur Das, a cricket fan from Guwahati.
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia emphasized that the consistent hosting of international cricket signifies the city’s development as a sporting hub.
“It fills me with immense pride and personal satisfaction to see Guwahati hosting yet another ODI. This event symbolizes the incredible journey of our city, which has steadily emerged as one of India’s premier sporting destinations.
“Not long ago, hosting an international cricket match was a rare and significant event for Guwahati. Today, international cricket is an essential part of the city’s sporting calendar. Having witnessed this transformation firsthand and contributed to this journey, I feel a profound sense of pride and fulfillment,” Saikia expressed.
“The ACA Stadium has established itself as one of the top cricket venues in the country. From hosting the opening ceremony and a semifinal of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 to securing its place on India’s Test cricket map, the stadium has reached several important milestones,” he added.
Currently, the atmosphere surrounding the West Indies ODI is noticeably subdued. While the match is still a significant international event, it no longer holds the same rarity it once did.
Over the last decade, Guwahati has consistently hosted international cricket, along with major football and badminton events. Enhanced infrastructure and increased experience in organizing large competitions have made international sports a more familiar aspect of the city’s calendar.
For those who remember when an international match could ignite weeks of anticipation, the change is striking. What was once a landmark event has gradually become a routine part of Guwahati’s sporting landscape.
Since 1983, Guwahati has hosted a total of 29 international cricket matches, both men’s and women’s. Nehru Stadium held 14 matches, while the remainder took place at the ACA Stadium, which hosted its first Test match in November 2025. Additionally, Guwahati is set to host one of the Test matches for the prestigious Border-Gavaskar Trophy in February next year.