ACA Stadium soaks in emotion as first Test finally arrives
For Assam cricket, Saturday was the closing of a long wait and the opening of a new chapter. As India and South Africa walked out at the ACA Stadium for the first ever Test at this venue, the morning carried the air of a moment that would be remembered for years.
Before a ball was bowled, the day began with a touch of ceremony and symbolism. The two captains paused to sign a portrait of the stadium. It was a quiet gesture but one that underlined the scale of the occasion. Specially crafted gold coins, designed to mark Guwahati’s arrival on the Test map, were presented to both skippers.
The atmosphere lifted when BCCI President Mithun Manhas and Secretary Devajit Saikia rang the traditional bell to begin play. The sound echoed across the stands, drawing applause from a crowd that understood the significance of what it was witnessing.
During the break, the stage shifted from the middle to the sidelines. A book on the Ranji Trophy titled Plucky 13, edited by Gulu Ezekiel and Sachin Bajaj, was released in the presence of leading figures from Indian cricket. The book brings together stories of the teams that have claimed multiple Ranji titles and includes pieces by writers such as Nilesh Mehta, Raju Mukherji, Hemant Kenkre, Vijay Lokapally and V Ramnarayan.
BCCI President Mithun Manhas, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia, Chairman of the selection committee Ajit Agarkar, selector Rudra Pratap Singh and IPL Governing Council member Mamon Mazumdar, ACA President Taranga Gogoi and Secretary Tridib Konwar were present during the release of the book.
In the same ceremony, 10 kit bags were handed over to junior cricketers, a gesture that nodded to the next generation even as the state celebrated its biggest cricketing moment yet.
The event drew an impressive gathering of dignitaries. Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya and Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma graced the historic occasion. Also seen were Chairman of the selection committee Ajit Agarkar, selector Rudra Pratap Singh and IPL Governing Council member Mamon Mazumdar. ACA President Taranga Gogoi and Secretary Sanatan Das joined in as the book was presented and the significance of the day acknowledged.
To honour the occasion, the Assam Cricket Association felicitated the distinguished guests with gold coated coins crafted specially for the Test. The gesture captured the pride of a state hosting a moment it had long aspired for.
By the time players returned to the field, the festivities had blended seamlessly into the cricket. The city had waited decades for this day and the ACA Stadium wore that joy with ease. It felt less like the start of a match and more like history settling gently into its place.
