IPL 2023: Why are Rajasthan Royals playing home matches in Guwahati? | EJ Explains

In a thrilling run-chase on April 5, Rajasthan Royals came excruciatingly close to taking the game away from Punjab Kings. But, the Royals fell short by a mere 5 runs.

The loss for Rajasthan however, did not take away the euphoria of the Guwahati crowd. The people of Assam extended a warm welcome to Sanju Samson's men for the franchise’s first home game in IPL 2023, also the first-ever IPL match to be played at the Barsapara stadium.

But why is the Rajasthan-based team playing in a ground situated 1,962 kilometres away from the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur, the traditional base for the franchise?

The connection between Guwahati and the Indian Premier League can be traced back to 2020. Three years ago, at least two IPL matches were scheduled to take place at the Barsapara Stadium. However, the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic put an end to these plans.

But with no bio-bubble and the home-away format of the IPL returning in 2023, Barsapara Stadium was once again on the organisers’ radar.

That is when the Sanju Samson-led team opted to play two of their seven home games at Barsapara Stadium instead of Sawai Mansingh in Jaipur.

The first match, played on April 5, saw the Royals lose a high-octane clash against Punjab Kings. The second game will see Rajasthan lock horns with Delhi Capitals on April 8.

An article by InsideSport revealed the reason behind the franchise’s decision stating that the Royals are committed to promoting cricket in the Northeast. Apart from that, Rajasthan Royals are also focused on giving ample opportunities to budding players to display their talent on a global platform, the report added.

Former Assam Cricket Association secretary Devajit Saikia also thanked the franchise for choosing Barsapara to be their second home ground.

In IPL 2023, more than one team has chosen a second home ground. Mohali-based Punjab Kings will also host two matches at the HPCA stadium in Himachal Pradesh’s Dharamsala. The two fixtures will see IPL return to the picturesque stadium after a gap of nearly 10 years.