Assam

Barsapara Cricket Stadium

Guwahati

Barsapara, Guwahati, Assam

781018

ভারত

❤️ A Cricketing Beacon of Northeast India

Nestled in the vibrant city of Guwahati, the Barsapara Cricket Stadium, officially Dr. Bhupen Hazarika Cricket Stadium, shines as a symbol of Northeast India’s growing cricketing stature. Located in the heart of Assam, this modern venue is renowned for its batsman-friendly pitch, thrilling IPL encounters, and historic international matches. With its cutting-edge design and passionate crowds, the stadium is more than a venue—it’s a celebration of cricket’s unifying spirit in the region. Explore its rich history, unique features, and unforgettable moments below.

History of the Stadium

Barsapara Cricket Stadium, officially named Dr. Bhupen Hazarika Cricket Stadium, was constructed to establish a premier cricket venue in Northeast India. The Assam Cricket Association (ACA) began construction in 2006 on 59 bighas of land, previously a dumping ground, allocated by the state government. Inaugurated on October 10, 2017, by former Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, it became India’s 49th international cricket venue. The stadium was named in honor of the renowned Assamese musician and filmmaker Dr. Bhupen Hazarika in 2010. The first match hosted was a T20I between India and Australia in 2017, marking a significant milestone for cricket in the region. It has since hosted domestic and international matches, including IPL games, promoting cricket in Northeast India.

Location and Accessibility

Barsapara Cricket Stadium is located in Barsapara, Guwahati, Assam, India, a vibrant city known as the “Gateway to the Northeast.” The address is Barsapara, Guwahati, Assam 781018. Fans can reach the stadium by air via Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, approximately 20 km away, with taxis or cabs taking about 30-40 minutes. By rail, Guwahati Railway Station is well-connected, and a taxi or bus ride to the stadium takes around 20 minutes. Road access is convenient via NH27 and local roads. Nearby landmarks include the Rock Statue, Umachal Rock Inscription, Dimasa Kingdom, and Lokpriya Rupnath Brahma Statue, offering visitors a chance to explore Assam’s cultural heritage.

Architecture and Design

Designed by Shashi Prabhu & Associates, Barsapara Cricket Stadium boasts a modern design with a seating capacity of 40,000, extendable to 55,000, making it the largest sports stadium in Northeast India. It features four grandstands, including a players’ pavilion and a state-of-the-art media center, constructed using structural steel framing and unitized steel decking for earthquake resistance. The field has a rectangular shape with a diameter of 68-70 meters, straight boundaries at 65 meters, and square boundaries at 68 meters. The pitch is known for favoring batsmen, though pacers get early swing, and spinners gain assistance later. The lush green outfield and eight main pitches with ten practice pitches ensure top-notch playing conditions.

Famous Matches and Events

Barsapara Stadium has hosted memorable cricket matches, including its inaugural T20I in 2017 where Australia defeated India by 8 wickets. In 2018, India secured an 8-wicket ODI win against West Indies, with Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s 246-run partnership setting a record. The stadium hosted its first IPL matches in 2023, with Rajasthan Royals playing two home games, including a high-scoring 199/4 against Delhi Capitals. In T20Is, India’s 237/3 against South Africa in 2022 is the highest team total. Beyond cricket, the stadium has potential for concerts and events, though no major non-cricketing events have been recorded. Local talent like Riyan Parag has shone here, boosting regional pride.

Facilities

The stadium offers excellent amenities for spectators, including covered seating, ample parking, and diverse food and beverage options like refreshment stalls with local and standard fare. Clean restrooms and accessible pathways enhance the fan experience. For players, facilities include an indoor practice wicket, a well-equipped gym, and a swimming pool for fitness and recovery. The state-of-the-art media center supports broadcasting and press needs, ensuring seamless coverage. A 24-hour water-sprinkling system maintains the pitch and outfield in pristine condition. These modern amenities make Barsapara one of India’s finest cricket venues, catering to both players and fans.

Unique Features

Barsapara Stadium stands out with its floodlights, installed in 2017, enabling vibrant night matches. The steep grandstands offer excellent views from every angle, creating an immersive experience. Fan zones with giant screens enhance engagement, while the scenic Guwahati backdrop adds charm. The stadium’s earthquake-Resistant steel structure, a first in Indian cricket stadiums, ensures safety and durability. Its role as a cultural and sporting hub for Northeast India, combined with local hero Riyan Parag’s performances, creates a unique atmosphere. The lush outfield and modern design make it a favorite among players and spectators alike.

Ticket Booking

Tickets for matches at Barsapara Cricket Stadium can be purchased online through platforms like BookMyShow, Paytm Insider, or the official IPL/Rajasthan Royals website for IPL games. Prices vary based on stand location, with premium seats costing more. Fans should check the IPL 2025 schedule for match dates and ticket availability. Booking early is recommended due to high demand, especially for IPL and international matches. On-site ticket counters may be available, but online purchases ensure a seamless entry. Fans must carry a valid ID and digital or printed tickets for verification at the gate.

Fan Experience

Fans praise Barsapara Stadium for its vibrant atmosphere and world-class facilities. The steep stands and excellent sightlines ensure an engaging view of the action, while the energetic Assamese crowd, especially cheering for local star Riyan Parag, creates an electric vibe. Reviews highlight efficient crowd management, ample parking, and diverse food options, making match days hassle-free. The scenic Guwahati setting and cultural significance as Northeast India’s premier venue add to the experience. Fans describe the atmosphere as passionate, with loud cheers and a festive spirit during IPL and international matches, making it a memorable outing.

🌍Pitch Report & Conditions

Located in the heart of Guwahati, Assam, the Barsapara Cricket Stadium, officially Dr. Bhupen Hazarika Cricket Stadium, is celebrated for its batsman-friendly pitch, delivering high-scoring thrillers across formats. With compact boundaries (65–68 meters) and a lush outfield, the pitch offers true bounce and pace, creating an exciting arena for cricket. Below is a detailed analysis of the pitch and conditions for T20, ODI, and Test formats, including typical scores, strategic insights, historical examples, and environmental factors, tailored to enhance your understanding of this Northeast Indian cricketing gem.

T20 Format

Pitch Characteristics

Surface: The T20 pitch at Barsapara is flat and hard, with a clay-based surface providing excellent bounce and carry, ideal for batsmen. The pitch is typically dry, offering minimal seam movement.
Boundary Dimensions: Short boundaries (65 meters straight, 68 meters square) encourage aggressive strokeplay, especially lofted shots and sixes, favoring power hitters.
Early Overs: Pacers may find slight swing in the first 2–3 overs, particularly under floodlights, as noted by David Warner in 2017. The ball comes onto the bat quickly, enabling big shots.
Middle and Death Overs: Spinners get minimal turn but can use variations like slower balls or googlies to contain runs. The pitch remains true, supporting high totals.

Typical Scores

Average First Innings Score: 166–180 (based on T20Is, e.g., India’s 237/3 vs. South Africa, 2022).
Chasing Feasibility: Chasing is preferred in night matches due to dew, which makes the ball skid and harder to grip. Teams batting second have won 60% of T20Is.
High Score Example: India’s 237/3 (2022, T20I vs. South Africa, Suryakumar Yadav’s 61 off 22) showcases the pitch’s batting paradise.
Low Score Example: India’s 118 (2017, T20I vs. Australia, Jason Behrendorff’s 4/9) highlights rare bowler dominance.

Strategic Considerations

Batting: Top-order batsmen thrive, with middle-order hitters exploiting short boundaries in death overs. Powerplay scores of 50–60 are common.
Bowling: Pacers rely on yorkers and slower balls; spinners use wide lines and variations. Bowling first is challenging due to dew.
Toss: Captains prefer to bowl first in night matches to leverage dew. Day games are more balanced.
Fielding: Agile fielders near boundaries are crucial to prevent sixes. The fast outfield demands quick reactions.

Environmental Factors

Weather: Guwahati’s humid climate (25–33°C) supports consistent pitch behavior. Night matches see heavy dew, favoring chasing teams.
Outfield: Lush and fast, maintained by a 24-hour sprinkling system, it rewards well-placed shots.
Drainage: Advanced drainage ensures quick recovery from rain, minimizing disruptions.

Historical Context

2017 T20I (India vs. Australia): Australia’s 8-wicket chase of 118, with Jason Behrendorff’s 4/9, showed early swing potential.
2022 T20I (India vs. South Africa): India’s 237/3, with a 102-run partnership by Suryakumar Yadav and Virat Kohli, underlines the pitch’s high-scoring nature.
Key Stat: Average T20 run rate is ~8.3 runs per over, with 65% of matches seeing 160+ first innings totals.

ODI Format

Pitch Characteristics

Surface: The ODI pitch is flat, with a clay base ensuring durability and consistent pace over 50 overs. It offers true bounce, favoring batsmen.
Boundary Dimensions: Boundaries (65–68 meters) remain short, encouraging high scores. Straight boundaries slightly test shot precision.
Early Overs: New-ball bowlers get swing for 5–7 overs, especially under lights, but the pitch soon becomes batsman-friendly.
Middle Overs: Spinners find slight grip, but batsmen dominate with aggressive play. The pitch remains stable, supporting big totals.
Death Overs: The ball skids under floodlights, aiding batsmen. Pacers rely on variations to control scoring.

Typical Scores

Average First Innings Score: 250–280 (e.g., India’s 326/7 vs. West Indies, 2018).
Chasing Feasibility: Chasing is viable in night games due to dew, with a 50% win rate for teams batting second.
High Score Example: India’s 326/7 (2018, ODI vs. West Indies, Rohit Sharma’s 152*) reflects the pitch’s batting-friendly nature.
Low Score Example: West Indies’ 176 (2018, 2nd innings) shows disciplined bowling can restrict teams.

Strategic Considerations

Batting: Teams aim for 80–100 in the powerplay and build partnerships in middle overs. Death-over hitting targets 300+ totals.
Bowling: Pacers focus on early swing and later variations; spinners control runs in overs 15–35 with tight lines.
Toss: Bowling first is preferred in night games due to dew. Day games favor batting first for big totals.
Fielding: Sharp fielding in the inner circle saves runs. Deep cover and long-off are busy due to short boundaries.

Environmental Factors

Weather: Guwahati’s warm, humid weather (25–33°C) ensures consistent pitch behavior. Dew in night matches aids batting.
Outfield: Fast and true, it rewards ground shots, increasing scoring rates.
Drainage: Efficient drainage supports full 50-over games with minimal rain delays.

Historical Context

2018 ODI (India vs. West Indies): India’s 326/7 and an 8-wicket win, with a 246-run partnership by Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, highlight the pitch’s run-fest potential.
Key Stat: Average ODI run rate is ~5.6 runs per over, with 70% of matches seeing 250+ first innings scores.

Test Format

Pitch Characteristics

Surface: While Barsapara has not hosted a Test match, domestic first-class games (e.g., Ranji Trophy) suggest a flat, clay-based pitch with good bounce on Days 1–2. By Days 3–5, wear and cracks offer turn and variable bounce.
Boundary Dimensions: Boundaries (65–68 meters) are short but less impactful in Tests, where patience is key.
Day 1–2: Batsmen dominate with true bounce and minimal seam movement. Spinners are ineffective early.
Day 3–5: The pitch slows, with cracks aiding spinners. Pacers may get reverse swing, and low bounce challenges batsmen.

Typical Scores

Average First Innings Score: ~350–400 (projected from domestic games and pitch behavior).
Match Outcome: Likely to produce high-scoring draws unless spinners dominate late. Decisive results require disciplined bowling.
High Score Example: Domestic matches suggest potential for 400+ totals, similar to India’s 649/9d at Niranjan Shah Stadium (2018).
Low Score Example: Collapses to ~200 possible on Days 4–5 if spinners exploit cracks.

Strategic Considerations

Batting: Teams aim to bat big on Days 1–2, targeting 450+. Patience counters spin and low bounce later.
Bowling: Pacers use reverse swing on Days 3–4; spinners dominate later with turn and bounce variations.
Toss: Batting first maximizes early conditions. Bowling first requires strong spin options for Days 4–5.
Fielding: Close-in fielders (e.g., silly point, short leg) are vital for spinners. Deep fielders protect boundaries early.

Environmental Factors

Weather: Guwahati’s humid, warm climate (25–33°C) supports five-day play, with occasional rain risks in monsoon months.
Outfield: Fast early, it slows by Day 5, affecting run rates.
Drainage: Excellent drainage ensures minimal disruptions from rain.

Historical Context

Domestic Insight: Ranji Trophy matches at Barsapara show flat pitches early, with spinners gaining traction by Day 3, suggesting Test potential.
Key Stat: Spinners likely to take ~50–60% of wickets in Tests, based on domestic trends.

Summary of Pitch Behavior Across Formats

Format	Pitch Characteristics	Typical 1st Innings Score	Toss Preference	Key Strategy
T20	Flat, true bounce, short boundaries, dew in night games	166–180	Bowl first (night)	Maximize powerplay, use bowling variations
ODI	Flat, consistent pace, minimal spin, dew in night games	250–280	Bowl first (night)	Build partnerships, exploit death overs
Test	Flat early, turns and slows on Days 3–5, reverse swing	350–400	Bat first	Bat big early, spin-heavy attack later

Weather and Environmental Influences

Climate: Guwahati’s warm, humid weather (25–33°C, high humidity) ensures consistent pitch behavior. Monsoon months (June–September) may bring rain risks.
Dew Factor: Significant in T20 and ODI night matches, aiding batsmen by reducing grip for bowlers. Day games are unaffected.
Wind: Occasional breezes from the Brahmaputra River have minimal impact compared to coastal venues.
Drainage System: Advanced drainage allows quick recovery from rain, ensuring minimal lost overs.
Outfield: Lush and fast, maintained by a 24-hour sprinkling system, it rewards well-timed shots in T20s and ODIs, slowing slightly in longer formats.

Pitch Evolution and Maintenance

Preparation: Curators use clay-based soil, heavily rolled for T20s and ODIs to ensure a hard, flat surface. Test pitches (projected) are under-rolled to encourage wear by Day 3.
Evolution: T20 and ODI pitches remain consistent, with minimal deterioration. Test pitches evolve, with cracks and rough patches aiding spinners by Days 4–5.
Maintenance: Regular watering and rolling between sessions stabilize shorter formats. For Tests, minimal interference post-Day 2 allows natural wear for bowlers.

Strategic Recommendations

T20: Pack aggressive batsmen and use pace-off bowlers to counter the flat pitch. Chasing is advantageous in night games due to dew.
ODI: Build a strong top order for early runs and include death-over specialists. Bowling first in night games leverages dew.
Test: Select a balanced attack with two spinners and reverse-swing pacers. Bat first to pile up runs before the pitch turns.

This pitch report enhances your Barsapara Cricket Stadium content by providing a comprehensive analysis of its playing conditions, offering fans, analysts, and teams valuable insights. The stadium’s batsman-friendly reputation, combined with strategic nuances and environmental factors, ensures thrilling cricket across all formats.

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Northeast India's Cricketing Gem

Barsapara Stadium: Guwahati's Cricketing Pride

Discover Barsapara Cricket Stadium, a batsman-friendly venue in Guwahati hosting thrilling IPL and international matches. Explore its history, pitch conditions, and vibrant fan experience in Assam’s sporting hub.

FAQs

Barsapara Cricket Stadium Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

The pitch at Barsapara Cricket Stadium generally favors batsmen, with an average first-innings T20 score of around 166-180. High-scoring games, like India’s 237/3 against South Africa in 2022, highlight its batting-friendly nature. However, pacers can get early swing, as noted by David Warner in 2017, and spinners gain assistance later. Teams batting first have had slightly more success, but the pitch remains competitive for both batting and bowling, with balanced encounters.

Barsapara Cricket Stadium has a seating capacity of approximately 40,000, extendable to 55,000 for major events. This makes it the largest sports stadium in Northeast India. The stadium features four grandstands with covered seating, ensuring comfort and excellent views for spectators. Its design accommodates large crowds efficiently, enhancing the match-day experience.

From Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, the stadium is about 20 km away, a 30-40 minute drive. Taxis, app-based cabs like Uber or Ola, or airport shuttles are convenient options. Follow NH27 and local roads towards Barsapara. Public buses are available but less direct. The route offers scenic views of Guwahati, making the journey pleasant.

Barsapara hosted its first international match, a T20I between India and Australia in 2017, won by Australia. In 2018, India’s 8-wicket ODI win over West Indies featured a 246-run partnership by Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. The stadium’s highest T20I total was India’s 237/3 against South Africa in 2022. IPL matches began in 2023, with Rajasthan Royals scoring 199/4 against Delhi Capitals, a notable highlight.

Yes, Barsapara Stadium offers ample parking spaces for hassle-free access. Food options include diverse stalls serving local Assamese cuisine and standard snacks, ensuring variety for fans. Clean restrooms and accessible pathways further enhance convenience. These facilities contribute to a comfortable and enjoyable match-day experience for spectators.

Tickets can be purchased online via platforms like BookMyShow, Paytm Insider, or the Rajasthan Royals/IPL website for IPL matches. Check the IPL 2025 schedule for availability and book early due to high demand. Prices depend on seating tiers. On-site counters may be available, but online booking is recommended. Carry a valid ID and digital/printed tickets for entry.