Why are boundary placards and markers banned for India vs Sri Lanka 1st T20I in Guwahati?

Why are boundary placards and markers banned: Audiences will not be allowed to gesture the boundary placards tomorrow.

The first T20I of the imminent Sri Lanka’s tour of India will be played tomorrow at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati. It will only be the second T20I to be played at the venue after India lost to Australia by 8 wickets in 2017.

The match will also be the first international fixture for both the teams this year. With a looming ICC T20I World Cup in Australia, both India and Sri Lanka will be looking to fine-tune their skills with respect to the iconic event.

Why are boundary placards and markers banned for India vs Sri Lanka 1st T20I in Guwahati?

As far as the fans’ experience in the first T20I is concerned, it is likely to receive a hit as spectators won’t be allowed to bring along with them any kind of posters, placards or banners.

ACA (Assam Cricket Association) secretary Devajit Saikia made public this information and also confirmed that fans won’t be provided with boundary placards showing ‘4’ and ‘6’ in this match. In addition to the same, fans can’t even carry pens and markers inside the stadium.

It is worth mentioning that fans will be allowed to carry men’s wallets, ladies’ handbags, mobile phones and vehicle keys inside the stadium.

Given the recent protests regarding the Citizen Amendment Act in the state of Assam, all these measures are not as a result of the same. Partly, all this is being done to prevent any uncalled for behaviour on the part of the spectators who reportedly threw stones inside the ground during the Australia match in 2017.

If further sources are to be believed, these measures are being taken to build an impression as far as conducting Indian Premier League matches in Guwahati are concerned. There have been reports in the past suggesting Rajasthan Royals showing interest in playing some of their home matches in Guwahati.