Last Updated on 4 hours ago by Charbel Coorey
The BCCI has been widely criticised regarding the venues selected for the 2027 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT). Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati is scheduled to host the third Test of the BGT series, which left fans perplexed given the challenges with fading light at the venue.
As reported by The New Indian Express, Guwahati hosted a Test against South Africa in November 2025. Between the end of that series and start of the 2027 BGT, India would have hosted just one Test (against Afghanistan). So, the “rotating Test venues” argument doesn’t quite hold up.
Guwahati to host BGT Test: Fans point to politics as the key reason
Guwahati had never hosted a Test before November 2025. By February 2027, they would have hosted two high-profile matches.
Devajit Saikia, current BCCI Secretary, is from Guwahati. Fans believe Guwahati is now getting preferential treatment as a result.
“Since the appointment of Devajit Saikia as BCCI secretary, his home state venue Guwahati has suddenly become a priority,” wrote one fan on X (formerly Twitter).
“Women’s World Cup opener and semifinal, maiden Test and now a BGT Test ahead of Mumbai and Kolkata, IPL matches increased from 2 to 3, ta too all RCB, CSK, and MI games this year.”
The November 2025 Test between India and South Africa was unique. Play began at 9am each day to cater for the very early sunsets in the city. In fact, floodlights were taking full effect by around 4pm.
Australia currently hold the BGT following their 3-1 series win downunder in 2024/25. The 2027 edition will begin on January 21 in Nagpur. Here is the schedule:
- 1st Test: January 21-25, Nagpur.
- 2nd Test: January 29-February 2, Chennai.
- 3rd Test: February 11-15, Guwahati.
- 4th Test: February 19-23, Ranchi.
- 5th Test: February 27-March 3, Ahmedabad.
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