Assam Cricket Association Stadium also referred to as Barsapara Cricket Stadium, officially called Dr. Bhupen Hazarika Cricket Stadium is one of the rapidly emerging cricketing stadiums in India. This stadium which is found in Barsapara, Guwahati, has transformed the identity of sports in the Northeast. This is the 49th international cricket stadium in India with a capacity of 46,000 (55,000 expandable).
In this article we will discuss about Barsapara Stadium review: Pitch Report, IPL Records & More (2025 )
Why Barsapara Stadium Is Special
Barsapara stadium is not merely a cricket ground but it has become a symbol of the emergence of the northeast Indian in Indian cricket. However, since 2017, Guwahati is a main venue of international cricket, women cricket and IPL matches.
This stadium is built on the former dumping yard, and it shows that with the help of vision and intelligent planning, a city can be changed. Today it is:
- World-class cricket venue,
- Centre for sports tourism,
- Significant economic stimulus of Guwahati, and
- Cricketing utopia among the young Northeast cricketers.
History Barsapara Stadium
The history of the Assam Cricket Association Stadium is a very long and motivating one.
Early Foundation
- In 2004, the Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi laid down the first foundation stone.
- The government allocated 59 bighas of land that had been cleared of encroachment.
- It began its construction in 2006.
Naming the Stadium
In 2010, ACA dedicated the stadium to the cultural legend of the Assam:
- Bhupen Hazarika poet, musician and Padma Vibhushan awardee.
First Domestic Match
The first match to be hosted in the stadium took place on 4 November 2012:
- Assam Women vs Odisha Women (East Zone Senior Women One Day).
- First Ranji Trophy Match
- In 2013–14 season:
- The first first-class match to be played in the stadium was Assam vs Kerala.
- Grand International Debut
- On, the stadium was opened as an international stadium.
- 10 October 2017 × India versus Australia T20I.
ACA Stadium Guwahati Quick Facts
The following is a table with a summary of the key details, which may be easily read:
| Parameter | Details |
| Official Name | Dr. Bhupen Hazarika Cricket Stadium |
| Popular Name | Barsapara Cricket Stadium |
| Location | Barsapara, Guwahati, Assam |
| Established | 2012 |
| Inauguration | 10 October 2017 |
| Owner & Operator | Assam Cricket Association (ACA) |
| Capacity | 46,000 (expandable to ~55,000) |
| Home Teams | Assam Cricket Team, India Men & Women (selected matches) |
| IPL Team | Rajasthan Royals (2nd home venue since 2023) |
| Ends | Media End, Pavilion End |
| First International Match | India vs Australia, T20I, 2017 |
| Architect | Klorophyll India / Shashi Prabhu & Associates |
| Largest Crowd Recorded | 38,132 (T20I 2017) |
Barsapara stadium Architecture Design
Barsapara stadium is constructed in structural steel framework and unitized steel decking with specially designed seismic zone of Northeast India.
Key Architectural Features
- Contemporary bowl-shaped seating plan.
- Good visibility in all seats.
- 4 distinct stands of effective crowd management.
- Covered to shield spectators against rain and heat.
- World-class media centre
- Big dressing rooms (international standard)
- Day night matches with high-tech floodlights.
- Quick drainage (there is need to have quick drainage in Guwahati due to weather)
The architectural style of the stadium is a fusion of modern-day engineering and the Assamese cultural atmosphere, particularly the exterior style and colour shades.
Barsapara Seating Capacity & Stadium Layout
Majority of the seats are covered and matches can be played without any inconvenience even when there is heavy sunlight and light showers.
| Section | Approx. Capacity |
| Pavilion Stand | 8,000 – 10,000 |
| Corporate Boxes | 500+ |
| General Stands | 35,000+ |
| Total Base Capacity | 46,000 |
| Expandable Capacity | Up to 55,000 |
Barsapara Pitch Report -Batting, Bowling, Dew Factor
Barsapara is a pitch that scores high particularly in white-ball cricket.
| Match Phase | Behaviour |
| First innings | Good bounce, true surface, batting-friendly |
| Second innings | Dew becomes factor easier for chasing |
| Fast bowlers | Early swing under lights |
| Spinners | Grip in mid overs but dew reduces impact |
Barsapara stadium Weather & Dew Impact
The weather of Guwahati is a significant factor in the results of the match:
- Heavy dew after 7:30 PM
- Advantage to chasing teams
- Night work may be tough Fielding.
- It can be interrupted by rain during pre-winter and monsoon period.
This is the reason why captains would want to bowl first at Barsapara.
Hosting of International Matches
Men’s Cricket
| Format | First Match | Latest Match (2025) |
| ODI | India vs West Indies (21 Oct 2018) | India vs Sri Lanka (10 Jan 2023) |
| T20I | India vs Australia (10 Oct 2017) | India vs Australia (28 Nov 2023) |
| Test | India vs South Africa (22–26 Nov 2025) | Only Test till now |
Women’s Cricket
| Format | First Match | Latest Match |
| WODI | India vs Sri Lanka (30 Sep 2025) | England vs South Africa (29 Oct 2025) |
| WT20I | India vs England (4 Mar 2019) | India vs England (9 Mar 2019) |
IPL at Barsapara Stadium
The stadium became known in the nation after IPL when “Rajasthan Royals declared that Barsapara was their second home ground beginning 2023.“
Why RR Chose Guwahati?
The expansion of cricket by BCCI in Northeast.
- Huge youth fan base
- Amazing crowd turnout
- State-of-the-art facilities
Impact of IPL in Guwahati
- Boost to tourism
- Rise in hotel business & local transport
- Global TV coverage
- More cricket camps for local kids
- Stronger cricketing identity for Northeast India
Facilities Inside Barsapara Stadium
For Players
- Indoor practice nets
- Gym and fitness centre
- Recovery zone
- Large dressing rooms
- Swimming pool
- Analysis room
For Fans
- Covered stands
- Modern washrooms
- Food courts & kiosks
- Drinking water
- First-aid
Records & High-Scoring Matches
| Format | Highest Team Total | Match |
| ODI | India 373/6 | vs Sri Lanka, 2023 |
| T20I | India 237/3 | vs South Africa (match abandoned but team record stands) |
| IPL | > 200 scores recorded | RR home games |
How to Reach Barsapara Stadium
| Mode | Details |
| By Air | Guwahati Airport (Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi Airport) – 25–30 mins |
| By Train | Guwahati Railway Station – 15 mins |
| By Road | Cabs, auto-rickshaws & buses available |
| Local Connectivity | Good road network with parking zones |
The stadium is in central location and travelling is not problematic during the match days.
Nearby Attractions
When you go to Guwahati to watch a game, do not forget:
- Umananda Temple
- Kamakhya Temple
- Brahmaputra River Cruise
- Assam State Zoo
This renders Barsapara a sporting + tourism destination.
Future of Barsapara Stadium
Barsapara is swiftly being made:
- One of the best stadiums to hold large BCCI matches.
- A Northeast cricket training hub.
- One of the potential hosts of ICC events.
- One of the probable long term destinations of IPL.
The popularity of IPL as well as the bilateral series held in India has already made ACA consider upgrades, new stands, and better parking areas.
Conclusion
Barsapara Cricket Stadium is among the most thrilling venues of cricket in India nowadays. Its story is an inspiration with what it used to be a dumping ground and then a world-class cricket destination. Having a huge spectating capacity, contemporary architecture, batting pitch, IPL coverage, and historic games, Barsapara has been a highlight in Assam and a star in the Northeast. It is a complete package that comfort and unforgettable moments of cricketing to the fans, players and even the tourists. It will become even more significant when BCCI will further introduce cricket to the region.
FAQs
The stadium will hold 46,000 people, and it can be extended to approximately 55,000 on a big occasion.
Barsapara is largely a pitch that is friendly to the batting with high scores particularly in the T20 and ODI matches
Barsapara Stadium is the second new home of Rajasthan Royals (RR) since the 2023 IPL season.
On 10 October 2017, India and Australia played the first international match (T20I).
The venue is divided into two ends Media End and Pavilion End.
Also, Read About:
Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium: Complete Guide (2025)
ACA–VDCA Cricket Stadium: Pitch report, Weather, Location and more
Refresh Date: December 3, 2025
