The Assam Cricket Association (ACA) has announced a cash reward of Rs 25 lakh for the venue’s ground staff after completing three IPL matches this season at Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati under difficult weather conditions. With rain and thunderstorms creating frequent interruptions, the curator and groundsmen worked to make sure the playing surface stayed in top shape, preparing and maintaining the pitches to the highest standards for each game.
ACA secretary Sanatan Das said in a statement that the staff’s efforts were pivotal to the smooth running of the fixtures and helped strengthen the stadium’s reputation beyond the local circuit. “In recognition of their contribution, the association has announced a reward of Rs 25 lakh for the curator and groundsmen,” Das added.
ACA president Taranga Gogoi and Das also praised the group’s professionalism and commitment, highlighting that the team’s dedication played a key role in keeping the matches on track despite the disruption caused by the elements. Their work ensured that the IPL contests at the ACA venue could be completed as scheduled, with the ground crew repeatedly responding to changing conditions.
Heavy rain and thunderstorms had a major impact on IPL 2026 matches at the Barsapara ground. The April 7 encounter between Rajasthan Royals and Mumbai Indians was reduced to 11 overs per side due to the weather. A subsequent game on April 10, featuring Rajasthan Royals against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, faced even more significant rain delays, with the pitch needing to be covered repeatedly during the stoppages.
Despite these setbacks, the groundsmen at the ACA stadium succeeded in seeing both fixtures through to completion, underscoring the importance of their behind-the-scenes preparation and on-field readiness during the season’s toughest stretches.
