Trisha Ghosal in Guwahati
The countdown to the ICC Women’s World Cup has begun, with India set to open their campaign against Sri Lanka on September 30 at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati. For the host city, this tournament arrives at a delicate time. Guwahati is still reeling from the sudden loss of one of its most beloved cultural icons, singer Zubeen Garg.
From the moment we landed in Guwahati on Wednesday, the mood was evident. Billboards, posters and banners across the city bore Garg’s face, his music playing softly in cafes and taxis. There was a palpable sense of grief and perhaps, a collective hope that sport might bring some respite.
The Assam Cricket Association (ACA) is leaving no stone unturned to make the opening match memorable. A special 40-minute programme has been planned in Garg’s honour, featuring tributes and performances, with playback star Shreya Ghoshal set to sing during the mid-innings break.
Snehasis Mukherjee and I visited the Barsapara Stadium, though entry was barred with preparations in full swing. Trucks unloaded last-minute equipment, workers rushed along the stands, and officials huddled over checklists. There was a visible urgency in the air, Guwahati is determined to deliver a spectacle that blends cricket with commemoration.
The ACA has also extended invitations to several former women cricketers, ensuring the opening game honours the past while celebrating the present. The gesture underlines how far the women’s game has come in India, with Guwahati playing host to what is set to be one of the most watched tournaments in recent years.
For Assam’s people, India’s opening game against Sri Lanka is more than a cricket match. A strong start from Harmanpreet Kaur’s side could provide a much-needed lift for a city caught between mourning and anticipation. In Guwahati, cricket is about to become both a unifying force and a healing balm.
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