Cricket fans might witness a unique change during the second Test between India and South Africa, set to begin on November 22nd at Guwahati’s Barsapara Stadium. To counteract the early sunsets common in eastern India during winter, there’s a strong possibility that tea will be served after the first session, with lunch following during the second.
This particular Test will deviate from the standard Indian match schedule. While most Tests here commence at 9:30 a.m. and conclude by 4:30 p.m., the Guwahati fixture is slated for an earlier 9 a.m. start and a 4 p.m. finish.
A source from the BCCI, who wished to remain anonymous, revealed the proposed schedule: “There is a possibility that the first break will be the tea interval, running from 11 a.m. to 11:20 a.m., followed by lunch between 1:20 p.m. and 2 p.m. The session after tea would then span from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Given that the sun typically sets around 4:15 p.m. in Guwahati, adjusting these breaks could be formally adopted into the playing conditions.”
Upon contacting an official from the Assam Cricket Association (ACA), it was confirmed that while they haven’t received formal notification from the BCCI, their local Ranji Trophy matches already operate on an early schedule. “We can confirm that Assam’s home Ranji Trophy games start at 8:45 a.m. and finish at 3:45 p.m., with the first break for lunch at 11:15 a.m.,” the official stated, indicating a precedent for early play in the region.