Shubhamita Bhattacharjee
GUWAHATI, July 31: The much-awaited Assam Premier League (APL) will start at the ACA Stadium in Barsapara on Saturday, marking a historic moment for cricket in the state.
The opening match of the inaugural edition will see Charaideo Sunrisers take on Barpeta Braves at 2:00 PM. The second fixture of the day will feature Tezpur Titans against Dibrugarh Warriors, beginning at 7:00 PM.
The APL is the first-ever franchise-based T20 league organised by the Assam Cricket Association (ACA). A total of eight franchises will compete in the inaugural edition of the tournament, which aims to provide a platform for emerging cricketers from across the state.
Praising the ACA's initiative, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia, who is also the advisor to the league's organising committee, said the tournament would play a significant role in promoting white-ball cricket in Assam and creating opportunities for talented players. Addressing the media on Friday, Saikia said Assam has built a strong reputation in limited-overs cricket over the years, with the state team delivering impressive performances in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and the Vijay Hazare Trophy on several occasions.
"The APL will help produce quality cricketers from Assam who can earn opportunities to play in the Indian Premier League and, eventually, represent India," Saikia said.
He added that the league would not only benefit players but also contribute to the development of coaches, strength and conditioning trainers, umpires, and other support staff, thereby strengthening the state's overall cricketing ecosystem.
The decision to go ahead with the tournament despite the devastating floods that have affected several districts of Upper Assam and claimed many lives has drawn mixed reactions. Responding to the concerns, Saikia acknowledged that postponing the event would have been preferable under normal circumstances but said the packed domestic cricket calendar left the organisers with little choice.
"It would have been ideal if we could have rescheduled the tournament. However, keeping the interests of the players in mind, we have decided to proceed according to the original schedule," he said.
Explaining the scheduling constraints, Saikia said franchise-based state leagues provide an important platform for local cricketers to showcase their talent before IPL scouts and franchises ahead of the IPL auction, which is generally held in December every year. " If the APL is postponed, it will be very difficult to organise it before the next IPL auction. In that case, it is the players of Assam who will suffer the most," Saikia said.
Meanwhile, the ACA has decided to cancel the planned inaugural ceremony as a mark of respect for those affected by the floods.
"We had planned a grand opening ceremony and had even made arrangements for a cultural performance. However, considering the prevailing flood situation in the state, the opening ceremony has been cancelled," Saikia said.
It may be mentioned that the Assam Cricket Association (ACA) had originally planned a grand opening ceremony for the inaugural edition of the Assam Premier League. The programme was to feature a performance by the popular Group ‘Jantra’ along with a traditional Bihu dance troupe. However, the ceremony was cancelled in view of the prevailing flood situation in the state.
The media briefing was also attended by ACA secretary Sanatan Das, treasurer Anupam Deka, Apex Council member Muktananda Bhattacharjya, and Rajdeep Oja, the Chairperson of the Assam Cricket Association (ACA) Governing Council for the Assam Premier League (APL).
Match Schedule:
Game 1: Charaideo Sunrisers vs Barpeta Braves, 2:00 PM.
Game 2: Tezpur Titans vs Dibrugarh Warriors, 7:00 PM.
Weather:
Generally cloudy sky with one or two spells of rain or thundershowers.
Ticket Price:
Rs 50 on Day 1 and Rs 20 from the second day onwards.
Gates Open:
12:00 PM
PHOTO CAPTION: Devajit Saikia (R) is addressing the media on Friday