GUWAHATI: The T20 International between India and Sri Lanka, to be played at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium on Sunday, has provided the much-needed breather to the city which has been witnessing intense protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) since December 12.
The presence of the Indian and Sri Lankan teams has shifted the focus a bit from anti-CAA protests, at least for the time being, as people people turned up in large numbers on Friday evening, and again on Saturday morning, to watch their favourite players practise at the
Barsapara stadium
. But security has been heightened, almost to the extent of being claustrophobic for fans, in view of the anti-CAA protests.
Assam Cricket Association
secretary Devajit Saikia, who has banned banners or posters inside the stadium for the crucial match, said, "To the cricket-loving people, all I can say is that phones and purses are allowed. The spectators will have all other facilities they want inside the stadium."
Keeping in mind the protocols that are followed in an international fixture, Saikia added that stringent security measures have been put in place to prevent any untoward within the stadium complex. "All the measures are in place and we are expecting a sell-out tomorrow (Sunday)," he said. The Barsapara Stadium can accommodate 39,500 people.
Sunday's match is the first T20I against Sri Lanka in a three-match series.
In the meanwhile, locals here are happy that life in general is slowly returning to normal after a tumultuous period. "There was unrest for some time but thankfully things are returning to normal now," said a part-time garage mechanic and cricket enthusiast, who runs an eatery in Lokhra Road.
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