Barsapara Stadium

Situated in Guwahati, the iconic Barsapara Stadium looms as a landmark for cricket in Northeast India.

Run by the Assam Cricket Association, this premiere arena primarily hosts domestic clashes, welcoming fans from neighboring states. With a maximum capacity of 40,000 fans, Barsapara claims the largest sports complex in the Northeast.

Proudly serving as the home ground for Assam’s cricket team, the stadium has witnessed international confrontations between powerhouses, cementing its importance on a national scale.

Construction of the complex started in 2006 on land cleared in 2004. Allotting 59 acres, the Assam administration transformed a former waste site into a premier sports venue.

Towering steep stands and sheltered seating complement Barsapara’s indoor training facilities and amenities like a gym and media center. Floodlights illuminate evening and night matches, enhancing the experience for players and fans.

Opened in 2017 by then Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, Barsapara gained recognition as India’s 49th international cricket venue. Its debut on the world stage featured India facing off against Australia in a thrilling T20 match, ultimately won by the visitors.

Revered locally for its heritage and modern conveniences, Barsapara also delighted global audiences. The stadium made headlines in 2023 by serving as a temporary home for the Rajasthan Royals during the IPL season, exposing more Northeast India to premier cricket.

Beyond hosting clashes, Barsapara symbolizes athletic and cultural progress for Northeast India. This overview sets the stage to explore the stadium’s legacy, records, and unique atmosphere within the cricket world.

Where is Barsapara Stadium?

Barsapara Stadium is situated in the Barsapara area of Guwahati. The premier facility is officially named Dr Bhupen Hazarika Cricket Stadium. It is the sole sports venue of its scale in the north-east region. Guwahati, a thriving metropolis known as the “Gateway to the Northeast” places the stadium in an ideal location for supporters across nearby states.

For locals, Barsapara Stadium represents far more than a cricket venue. Assamese and fans from neighboring states eagerly take tours to watch matches unfold. They know it offers experiences unlike any other in Northeast India due to its proportions and amenities.

Barsapara Stadium History and Milestones

Assam’s then-Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi laid the foundation stone of Barsapara Stadium in 2004.

A waste site is now a contemporary sports complex that proudly stands through governmental support and the Assam Cricket Association’s commitment. Construction began in earnest in 2006 on the once uncultivated wasteland site.

By 2012, the stadium had been fashioned into a playable field, marking a pivotal moment for cricket in Assam and Northeast India by providing local players with a proper venue to develop their talent.

Since welcoming its first spectators, the ground has been the setting for numerous national and global showdowns, such as the memorable India-West Indies ODI in 2018 that saw the men in blue win comfortably by eight wickets. 

Furthermore, the stadium served as a secondary home for the Rajasthan Royals throughout the lucrative 2023 Indian Premier League, drawing thousands to enjoy the excitement of the tournament and demonstrating the rising enthusiasm for cricket in Northeast India.

Barsapara Stadium Pitch Report

The pitch within Barsapara is known for its batting friendliness, especially when the white ball is used. Recent games witnessed exhilarating, high-scoring affairs with eye-catching individual performances. 

The ground has frequently seen teams crossing the 170-run mark with a boundary-filled inning.

The consistent bounce and carry let batters play their strokes with style and confidence. The conditions often permit quick scoring, and this batting advantage is why the stadium is popular.

Dew can significantly impact outcomes in late evenings. As the outfield gets wet, the pitch benefits the chasing team in the second innings, slightly tilting the game’s balance.

The sides struggling with wet outfield and slippery balls are often conquered due to the difficulty of controlling deliveries as the night deepens.

Barsapara Stadium Capacity and Seating

Barsapara Stadium’s flexible configuration permits expansion if essential, presently seating 40,000 spectators, ranking it among India’s most extensive cricket arenas. Its maximum limit of 55,000 allows adequate accommodation for significant international events.

The thoughtful arrangement offers fans a clear view from any stand position. Moreover, seats supply enough room and comfort for viewers to unwind and fully submerge themselves in the on-field action without feeling cramped or restricted.

The steeply rising stands, an unusual attribute for venues of this measurement, assist in housing large groups while granting a superb perspective.

The seating potential and architectural style make Barsapara Stadium ideal for landmark matches.

It allows thousands of fans to experience cricket live and see their stars like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. The spacious and rising seating gives spectators a panoramic view and a feeling of inclusion regardless of where they sit.

Barsapara Stadium Dimensions

The boundary lengths at Barsapara Stadium range from 60 to 73 meters, crafting a balanced field that challenges batters while rewarding precision from bowlers.

The boundary varies between 60 to 63 meters along the sidelines, while the straight boundary extends 73 meters. 

These dimensions breed exciting contests as high scores are possible, yet it depends on well-timed strokes. At 68 to 70 meters, the diagonal boundaries permit runs through placement and power alike.

Overall, the ground’s layout produces thrillers with ample opportunity for aggression and a change of pace for bowlers.

The unique dimensions at Barsapara Stadium favor unpredictability in each affair, allowing batters to attempt bold shots.

Barsapara Stadium Facilities

Barsapara Stadium boasts cutting-edge amenities that elevate the experience for players and spectators. Designed for solace and ease, its offerings cement its standing as one of India’s most progressive cricket strongholds.

All public seating areas are sheltered, safeguarding fans from sunlight and showers so they can be relaxed. An indoor complex empowers players to warm up and improve their skills before and during matches, ensuring their preparation remains tops.

A well-stocked gym and swimming pool help professionals preserve fitness and recover quickly, reflecting high facilities for player health and preparedness.

Advanced sprinklers maintain the lush center strip around the clock, guaranteeing its condition always befits high-grade cricket.

The media center is lavishly outfitted to ensure a smooth workflow for those covering the games. Players relax in spacious seating, lounges, and dressing rooms to focus solely on performance.

Barsapara Stadium Floodlights and Time Zone

Barsapara Stadium illuminates evenings with floodlights, a feature facilitating riveting day-night cricket games popular for limited-overs formats.

Strategically positioned around the boundary, the lights evenly broadcast brightness throughout the playground, helping fielders during nightly matches.

This permits fans to indulge in the sport, whether relishing fixtures after a long workday or watching late into the evening’

Situated in India’s time zone, the arena’s timings synchronize with local habits and customs. Thoughtfully scheduled fixtures consider viewers worldwide, allowing the fans, whether near or far, to observe contests as darkness falls.

With the power to host games anytime due to its lighting infrastructure, the venue draws more fans and greatly enhances its versatility and appeal.

Barsapara Stadium Pitch Report: Batting or Bowling?

The pitch at Barsapara Stadium has preferred the batters, particularly in the shortest format.

With the average first innings average of around 153 runs in T20s and a winning total beyond 170 being a benchmark, the nature of the pitch supports free-flowing batting.

Regardless of whether teams choose to bat first or second, both have demonstrated an ability to score runs in abundance, rendering it an ideal setting for adrenaline-fuelled showdowns. 

The dew factor, which invariably accumulates later in the evening, regularly aids the side batting second, as it compromises the bowlers’ hold and causes the ball to skid more across the surface.

The pitch suits aggressive batsmen willing to attack the bowling, though craftier spinners can force frustration through varied paces.

Experienced captains like Pat Cummins and Aiden Markaram have stopped runs despite the batting-friendly surface through game plans, exposing hidden weaknesses in the opponent lineups.

Meanwhile, quick scoring is customary as batsmen attack any delivery in their arc. 

Average Scores and Match Outcomes for T20s at Barsapara Stadium

However, clever bowlers apply subtle deception to outplay the best batsmen. Calculative field placements have stopped high scoring.

Barsapara Stadium Boundary Length

Barsapara Stadium’s boundaries vary in dimensions. The sides extend 60 to 63 meters, while the straight boundary is 73 meters.

The squares range between 68 to 70 meters, allowing inventive batters opportunities to play their shots on either side of the wicket. These dimensions earned the stadium a reputation as a high-scoring venue.

The balanced boundaries at Barsapara Stadium mean that while the pitch often suits batters, disciplined bowlers can still succeed. Skilled bowlers can limit even the most aggressive batters by sticking to tight lines and using variations.

Although it’s usually a batting-friendly pitch, smart tactics and disciplined bowling can still impact, showing that bowlers can succeed with the right approach.

Barsapara Stadium T20 Records

Barsapara Stadium has cultivated a reputation synonymous with run-scoring matches, hosting high-voltage T20 fixtures combined with big totals like 237 by India against South Africa.

Its surface and boundaries allow batsmen to score freely and assemble huge scores, delivering breakout performances.

The pitch at Barsapara Stadium has brought excitement and unpredictability, showcasing individual brilliance and team success.

Matches here have seen victories achieved by chasing and setting targets, showing that success depends on strategy and the conditions on game day.

The dew often helps teams batting second, but teams choosing to bat first can also win if they adapt well. However, one game was interrupted by rain, reminding fans of Guwahati’s unpredictable weather, which can occasionally disrupt cricket at this venue.

Despite a developing story, Barsapara’s history in T20 cricket shows excitement, featuring huge run totals. It continues ascending as a venue where fans are assured of exciting matches.

Key T20 Records at Barsapara Stadium

T20 Records at Barsapara Stadium

Notable Centuries and Performances at Barsapara Stadium

Barsapara Stadium has witnessed some stellar individual performances in both ODI and T20 formats. Renowned players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Shimron Hetmyer have scored centuries, showcasing the stadium’s potential for big innings.

The batting-friendly pitch and strategically placed boundaries provide an exciting challenge for batsmen while keeping bowlers fully engaged.

Moreover, heavy dew has introduced an unpredictable element, often making run chases in the second innings somewhat easier for batsmen and resulting in thrilling climaxes.

ODI and T20 Centuries at Barsapara Stadium

Conclusion

Barsapara Stadium has quickly become the center of cricket in Northeast India. It offers fans a comfortable and enjoyable matchday experience. Its sleek design and modern facilities make it a great venue for players and spectators.

Barsapara Stadium has hosted electrifying matches featuring huge run totals and outstanding individual performances that fans cherish.

Talented players like Virat Kohli, the consistent Rohit Sharma, and fearless David Miller have etched their names in its history with memorable centuries, adding to the stadium’s rich legacy. 

Looking ahead, Barsapara Stadium has the potential to host even more international events and captivating IPL matches featuring nail-biting finishes.

Its invaluable role in nurturing young cricket talents from Northeast India provides local players a professional platform to pursue their dreams.

Furthermore, the stadium’s popularity may inspire the construction of similar venues across Northeast India, promoting sports deeper in the region.

Barsapara Stadium represents more than just a cricket ground – it is a beacon of sports development, regional pride, and fan involvement in Assam and beyond.

Its legacy grows with every match, every record, and every roar from the stands. As cricket flourishes, Barsapara Stadium will remain a cornerstone for the sport in Northeast India, motivating future generations of players and fans.

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