The first men’s Test match between Northeast India and South Africa will take place in Assam.

B O News Desk : Assam is set to host Northeast India’s first-ever men’s Test match with India facing South Africa in the second Test of the series from November 22 at Barsapara Stadium, Guwahati, confirmed BCCI Secretary, Devajit Saikia on Saturday.

Following a meeting with the Bokakhat District Sports Association at Bokakhat Stadium, Saikia announced that the Test match will be held from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM adjusted for the region’s shorter winter daylight hours. In a rare move in Test cricket, the traditional lunch and tea schedule will be reversed with players taking tea before lunch.

Detailing the timetable, Saikia said the first session will run from 9:00 to 11:00 AM, followed by a 20-minute tea break. The second session will continue from 11:20 AM to 1:20 PM, after which lunch will be served. He explained that Guwahati’s early winter sunrise and sunset made this adjustment practical and necessary.

The decision to swap tea and lunch had earlier sparked confusion as reports suggested that Assam Cricket Association had not received a formal intimation from the BCCI while discussions were still ongoing.

Highlighting Assam’s growing importance in Indian cricket, Saikia noted that Guwahati has hosted IPL matches for three consecutive years, with two to three more IPL games expected next year, making it a “second home ground” for the Rajasthan Royals. The upcoming Test is a historic first for the region and firmly establishes Barsapara Stadium as a recognized Test venue, boosting Guwahati’s standing on India’s cricketing map

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