Guwahati gears up to host India-Aus ODI

Guwahati: Starved of international cricket for more than two years, Guwahati, the commercial capital of the North East, is gearing up to host the India-Australia sixth one-dayer on Sunday.

The city was robbed off India-England one-dayer scheduled on November 29 last year due to 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks but this time around there is an air of festivity with the capital of Assam getting ready to host its 14th one-dayer.

Thanks to cricket fans from the seven north eastern states flogging into the city for the match, the hotels here are doing a brisk business. A three-tier security cover has been in place with central paramilitary forces and Assam Police battalions being pressed into service.

“The mood this time is very vibrant. It’s more than two years now since the people here watched an international match. Also, the series is now interestingly poised,” Assam Cricket Association media manager Pabitra Gogoi said.

“They expect a thriller tomorrow. People from all the NE states have come. They want to see India win tomorrow. We have got an overwhelming response in ticket sales,” said Gogoi.

Just to have a glimpse of the cricketers, the fans lined up on Dr B Baruah Road leading up to the stadium and waited patiently while the team buses went in and out for practice.

“We are not leaving any stone unturned. We have made all security arrangements of players. A three-tier security is in place and if needed we will do an air surveillance,” Senior Superintendent of Police P C Saloi said.

Bureau Report