BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia urges ACA to avoid organising APL in "grand way" amid Assam floods
Guwahati, July 31
Board of Control for Cricket in India Secretary Devajit Saikia on Friday congratulated the Assam Cricket Association for organising the Assam Premier League but urged the state body to avoid conducting the tournament in a "grand way" in view of the severe flood situation in Assam.
Devajit Saikia said postponing the tournament was difficult as there would be no available window in the domestic calendar for the next eight months. He also praised the ACA for extending support to people during crises, highlighting its recent donation of Rs 50 lakh towards flood relief efforts.
Speaking to reporters, Saikia congratulated the ACA for organising the APL but urged it "not to do it in a very grand way" due to Assam's flood situation. He said postponing the tournament was not feasible as there would be no available window in the cricket calendar for the next eight months. He also praised the ACA for supporting the people of Assam during crises, highlighting its recent Rs 50 lakh donation.
"I congratulate the Assam Cricket Association (ACA) for making wonderful arrangements to start the APL tomorrow. My only request is that the ACA should not do it in a very grand way, because the present situation in Assam is not conducive to holding entertainment programs... At this time, it is very difficult to postpone the tournament because all the arrangements have been made and there are no subsequent windows available to the ACA to postpone this tournament beyond the 23rd of August," he said.
Saikia explained that the domestic cricket calendar would resume immediately after the tournament window and continue until the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2027, leaving no suitable opportunity to reschedule the competition.
"The domestic calendar will immediately start after that, which will run through May 2027 with the Indian Premier League (IPL). So if we do not hold this tournament from tomorrow until the 23rd, there will be no window available for the next eight months... I am very happy that the Assam Cricket Association always stands with the people of Assam during times of crisis. This year as well, on the 24th of July, the Assam Cricket Association donated a sum of ₹50 lakh," he added.
The Assam Premier League will begin on Saturday, August 1, with Charaideo Sunrisers taking on Barpeta Braves in the opening match. The first season will feature 43 matches, including 40 league-stage encounters, two semi-finals and the grand finale.
— ANI
Reader Comments
This is a tricky situation. On one hand, cricket gives people something to cheer about during tough times. On the other hand, flashy ceremonies while villages are underwater... it doesn't look good. The Rs 50 lakh donation is commendable but I hope the ACA focuses more on relief work than on making APL a big spectacle.
Sahi baat hai! The BCCI secretary's request is very practical. Domestic cricket calendar is packed till 2027, so postponing isn't feasible. But he's asking them to tone down the extravagance - that's exactly the balance we need. Cricket during crisis can be a morale booster, but humility is key. 👏
As someone who follows Indian cricket closely, I think this is a classy move by Saikia. He's acknowledging the flood crisis while also being realistic about scheduling. The ACA's Rs 50 lakh donation shows they're aware of their social responsibility. Let's hope the tournament proceeds with minimal pomp and maximum compassion.
Honestly, I think they should just postpone it. I understand the calendar excuse, but how will people enjoy cricket when they've lost their homes? The optics are bad. However, I appreciate Saikia at least making the request to keep it simple. The money could have been used for more flood relief. 😔
Cricket in Assam during floods is nothing new - we've seen this before. But Devajit Saikia's practical approach deserves appreciation. He's saying: "We can't postpone because there's no window, but let's not rub salt in people's wounds by making it
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