ACA Turns Women’s World Cup Opener into Tribute to Zubeen Garg with 5,000 Free Tickets
The Assam Cricket Association (ACA) has announced that 5,000 free tickets will be distributed among fans of late singer Zubeen Garg ahead of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup opener at the ACA Stadium in Guwahati on September 30.
The opening day of the tournament will be dedicated to the memory of the legendary artiste, who passed away on September 19, leaving the region in mourning. Before the first match between India and Sri Lanka begins at 2 pm, artistes Papon, Joi Baruah and the Shillong Chamber Choir will perform a musical tribute. Bollywood playback singer Shreya Ghoshal will also take the stage, performing the official World Cup theme song and joining the homage.
Addressing the media at the ACA Stadium, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said the tickets will be available for collection on September 29 from the Guwahati Sports Association office at Nehru Stadium. “This is our way of honouring Zubeen Garg, who was the voice of Assam and will always remain with us,” Saikia said. He added that ACA would purchase these tickets and distribute them free of cost so fans can take part in the historic occasion.
As part of the tribute, Zubeen’s songs will be played on digital display boards leading up to the stadium, and two dedicated spaces will be set up inside the venue for visitors to pay their respects. “We want the world to remember Zubeen Garg’s immense contribution to music,” Saikia said.
The programme will also include a felicitation ceremony for all former captains of the Indian women’s cricket team. The newly elected ACA apex council members will attend the event as well.
Guwahati has been allotted five matches in total, including four league games and one semifinal, provided Pakistan does not qualify. “This is the first time Guwahati will host the main round of an ICC World Cup. Thanks to ICC chairman Jay Shah for granting us this opportunity,” Saikia remarked. He further noted that demand for tickets remains high, with nearly 12,000 already sold and thousands more distributed across districts.
Looking ahead at India’s prospects, Saikia revealed that a pool of 30 players is being monitored, including Assam’s own Uma Chetry. “We recently lost to Australia, who are still the strongest side, but I am confident our women will deliver this time. India has not yet won an ICC women’s trophy, but I believe this will be our year,” he said.
He added that the decision to host most matches in tier-two cities, barring Navi Mumbai for logistical reasons, was made to boost the reach and morale of women’s cricket. “We want to take women’s cricket to every corner of the country, and this World Cup is a big step in that direction,” Saikia concluded.
ACA secretary Tridib Konwar was also present at the press conference.
