IPL 2020 News: Rajasthan Royals shift base to Guwahati for three home matches

Rajasthan Royals shift base to Guwahati: The Indian Premier League franchise has decided to change their home ground.

Indian Premier League franchise Rajasthan Royals will play three home matches in the next season of the tournament at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati, Assam.

It is worth mentioning the champions of the inaugural season will continue to play the remaining four home matches at their designated home ground of Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur.

The development was confirmed after the IPL Governing Council gave nod to the franchise who had been in talks with Assam Cricket Association for sometime now.

Having finished at No. 7 in the points table earlier this year, Royals registered a below par season under the leadership of Ajinkya Rahane and Steve Smith.

Rajasthan Royals shift base to Guwahati

In an exclusive interview with Times of India, Assam Cricket Association secretary Devajit Lon Saikia explained the details with respect to the decision.

“The Rajasthan Royals had earlier requested the BCCI to allow them to play some of their home matches in Guwahati, and the Committee of Administrators [CoA] had on August 13 approved their request. The approval was placed and accepted in the IPL governing council, chaired by former India batsman Brijesh Patel, at the BCCI headquarters on Tuesday.

“The Royals are willing to play a maximum of three matches in Guwahati. We will also have to take into consideration the logistical aspects, but it is confirmed that Guwahati will host a couple of matches,” Saikia was quoted as saying.

Known for promoting young players, Rajasthan have also decided to set-up a cricket academy in Assam. It is believed that the facility will be up and running by January 2020.

“At present, the Royals have a couple of academies in different cities and are set to open their third academy in collaboration with the Assam Cricket Association in Guwahati. As of now, we have not come up with the nomenclature, but the academy is likely to come into existence from January,” Saikia added.

RR had earlier bought Assam all-rounder Riyan Parag for IPL 2019. In seven matches, the 17-year old cricketer had scored 160 runs at an average of 32 and a strike rate of 126.98 including a half-century against Delhi Capitals in Delhi.