The inaugural champions Rajasthan Royals are likely to play three matches at Barapara Stadium, Guwahati in the upcoming season of the IPL 2020. Meanwhile, the Sawai Man Singh Stadium in Jaipur will continue to be the home ground for the franchise.
Rajasthan Royals has requested the Board of Control for Cricket in India and CoA (who looked after cricketing affairs till 23rd October) to let them play three matches in Guwahati.
Royals will like to be consistent in the next season.
In fact, it is also reported that the committee had given a green chit to the club to play three of its matches in Guwahati.
“One of the other franchises had also made a request to play at Lucknow and Royals’ choice was Guwahati,” a member of the CoA said as quoted by Sportstar.
However, there is no official confirmation from the Rajasthan Royals. But it is reported that the franchise’s chief operating officer Jake Lush McCrum had visited Baraspara Stadium along with local player Riyan Parag. The two had a discussion with the officials of Assam Cricket Associaton.
“The Rajasthan Royals officials have had several discussions with us. It would be a great thing for the entire northeast if the IPL matches are held here. But as of now, we haven’t heard anything formally,” Assam Cricket Association chief Devajit Saikia told Sportstar.
Meanwhile, Rajasthan Royals have also played their home matches in Ahmedabad and Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai. The Baraspara Stadium in Guwahati had hosted the first T20I against Australia in 2017. Furthermore, the same stadium had also hosted the first ODI between India and the West Indies.
On the other hand, Rajasthan Royals had failed to qualify for the playoff stages in IPL 2019. Ergo, they would like to turn the tables in the upcoming season. Australia’s Andrew McDonald is the new coach of the franchise.