Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati has moved from a regional cricket centre to a serious international venue. The ground is officially known as Dr Bhupen Hazarika Cricket Stadium and is widely listed as Assam Cricket Association Stadium or Barsapara Cricket Stadium. It gives Assam a major cricket address and gives India a modern venue in the North East.
The stadium opened in 2012 and became an international ground in 2017. Its current venue profiles list a 40,000 capacity, Media End, Pavilion End, floodlights, and Assam as the home side. Recent fixtures have raised its profile further, including the 2025 Women’s World Cup opener, Guwahati’s first Test in November 2025, and Rajasthan Royals’ IPL matches.
For readers tracking Indian cricket venues, the ground now has a clear identity: newer than Eden Gardens or Chepauk, larger than many domestic grounds, and important for a region that rarely received major fixtures earlier. Its story is no longer limited to location. It now carries records, packed match days, and a growing national calendar role. The result is a venue with practical national relevance.
Quick Ground Facts for Readers
| Detail | Current Information |
| Main name | Barsapara Stadium |
| Other names | Dr Bhupen Hazarika Cricket Stadium, Assam Cricket Association Stadium |
| City | Guwahati, Assam |
| Opened | 2012 |
| Capacity | 40,000 |
| Ends | Media End and Pavilion End |
| Home team | Assam |
| Floodlights | Available |
The Barsapara Stadium capacity makes it one of India’s larger newer cricket grounds. Its location also gives Indian cricket reach in a region that had waited a long time for regular top-level fixtures.
Why Guwahati Now Counts in Indian Cricket
Guwahati’s cricket rise cannot be measured through one match. The city needed a ground capable of hosting domestic cricket, international cricket, television production, crowds, and franchise events. Barsapara Stadium Guwahati now handles each of those demands.
The venue’s value is clear through recent assignments:
- It hosted India’s first T20I in Guwahati in 2017.
- It staged its first ODI in 2018.
- It hosted the Women’s World Cup opener in 2025.
- It became a Test venue during India versus South Africa in 2025.
- It continued as a Rajasthan Royals home option in IPL 2026.
This mix gives the ground a stronger cricket identity than a single-format venue.
Records That Explain the Ground
The current venue record sheet gives Barsapara Stadium records across formats. In Tests, the ground has one listed match, South Africa’s 489 against India in 2025 remains the highest total, and India’s 140 in the fourth innings remains the lowest.
In ODIs, India’s 373 for 7 against Sri Lanka is the highest listed total. India’s 326 for 2 against West Indies remains the highest ODI chase at the venue. These numbers indicate that batters can dominate when the ball comes on and partnerships last.
The T20 record line has a different edge. India’s 237 for 3 against South Africa is the highest listed T20 total. Australia’s 225 for 5 against India remains the highest T20 chase. The lowest listed T20 total is India’s 118 against Australia.
Pitch Reading Across Formats at Barsapara
A good Barsapara Stadium pitch report needs format context. White-ball cricket here has produced heavy scoring when batters settle early. The ball can travel quickly once set players judge the bounce and pace. Dew can increase chasing comfort in evening games.
Test cricket gave another view. South Africa made 489 in the first innings during the 2025 Guwahati Test, while India were bowled out for 140 in the fourth innings. Long-format wear, scoreboard pressure, and bowling discipline made batting harder later.
Captains generally watch these factors before making a toss call:
- Moisture after rain or heavy evening humidity
- Dew chances under lights
- Grass cover on match morning
- Boundary size against power hitters
- Spin wear across longer matches
The pitch has enough batting value, but careless reading can punish both teams.
Assam Cricket Value Behind the Venue
The ground carries emotional weight for Assam cricket. A state that produced determined domestic players now has a venue capable of drawing major cricket fixtures. The name linked with Bhupen Hazarika also gives the ground cultural memory beyond match results.
The 2026 opening of the Assam Cricket Museum inside the Barsapara ACA complex strengthened that identity. The museum was built to preserve Assam’s cricket history, records, and local contributions. For young players in the state, the venue is a pathway symbol as much as a match site.
IPL Use Through Rajasthan Royals
Barsapara Stadium IPL matches became a regular talking point after Rajasthan Royals began using Guwahati as a home venue. The move helped the league enter a market that had strong interest but limited live access to elite franchise cricket.
Rajasthan’s Guwahati use has importance for three cricket reasons:
- It gives the North East direct IPL exposure.
- It creates a second home base for Rajasthan Royals.
- It tests players in humid evening conditions.
- It brings national broadcast focus to Assam.
- It helps local fans see major Indian and overseas players live.
The Rajasthan Royals Guwahati venue link has now become part of the stadium’s modern identity.
Recent Matches That Updated the Ground
Recent seasons changed how people read this venue. The 2025 Women’s World Cup opener between India and Sri Lanka drew 22,843 spectators and set an opening-day attendance record for the tournament. India won by 59 runs through the DLS method.
The November 2025 India versus South Africa Test gave Guwahati its first men’s Test. South Africa won by 408 runs after making 489 in the first innings. A January 2027 Australia Test is scheduled for Guwahati as its next major red-ball assignment.
These assignments matter because they place Guwahati cricket stadium within India’s main venue rotation.
Fan Notes for Match Day Planning
Barsapara is located in Guwahati, and crowd movement can be heavy around major fixtures. Fans should plan entry, transport, and weather needs earlier than match time. Humidity, possible rain, and evening dew are common practical checks for match days.
Useful match-day checks include:
- Confirm gate opening time before leaving.
- Carry items permitted under stadium rules only.
- Keep digital tickets open before entry.
- Plan return transport before the innings break.
- Watch weather updates near toss time.
These details help viewers avoid rushed decisions near the ground.
Conclusion
Barsapara Stadium has become a key cricket venue because it combines modern facilities, Assam’s cricket identity, high-scoring white-ball value, and recent international assignments. The ground has already hosted men’s internationals, women’s World Cup cricket, IPL fixtures, and a Test match.
Its next value lies in consistency. If the venue keeps receiving major matches, Guwahati can become a dependable eastern cricket centre rather than an occasional stop in the calendar.
FAQs
What is the official name of Barsapara Stadium?
The venue is officially known as Dr Bhupen Hazarika Cricket Stadium. Cricket databases also list it as Assam Cricket Association Stadium, while fans commonly call it Barsapara Stadium.
Where is Barsapara Stadium located?
Barsapara Stadium is located in Guwahati, Assam. It serves as the home ground for Assam cricket and has become the main international cricket venue in the North East.
What is the seating capacity of Barsapara Stadium?
Current venue profiles list Barsapara Stadium capacity at 40,000. Some local references use higher extended-capacity figures, but cricket venue databases currently carry the 40,000 figure.
Which IPL team uses Barsapara Stadium?
Rajasthan Royals have used Barsapara Stadium as a Guwahati home venue. Their matches helped bring IPL cricket directly to Assam and the wider North East audience.
Has Barsapara Stadium hosted a Test match?
Barsapara Stadium hosted its first men’s Test in November 2025 when India played South Africa. South Africa won that match by 408 runs after posting 489.