In a significant scheduling alteration, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has revised the session timings for the upcoming second Test match between India and South Africa in Guwahati. This strategic adjustment is a direct response to the early sunrise and sunset patterns characteristic of the northeastern region during winter. The primary goal is to maximize playing time and ensure optimal conditions for both cricketing nations.
Guwahati is set to make its historic debut as a Test cricket venue on November 22, 2025. The city has previously hosted successful Women’s ODI World Cup matches, showcasing its capability for major events. This Test match further elevates the north-east’s profile in the cricketing world, bringing international red-ball cricket to an area with distinct winter daylight limitations.
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia, who hails from Guwahati, confirmed that play will commence half an hour earlier than the standard Indian red-ball Tests. “In winters, sunrise and sunset are very early here in north-east India. By 4 pm, the daylight recedes, and you can’t play much after. Because of that, we have decided to start early, so play will start at 9 am,” Saikia explained. This proactive measure aims to overcome the challenges posed by the fading light.
The revised schedule sees the toss take place at 8:30 am IST, with the first session running from 9:00 am to 11:00 am. A 20-minute tea break will be taken before the second session, which is slated from 11:20 am to 1:20 pm. Lunch will follow, from 1:20 pm to 2:00 pm, and the final session will conclude at 4:00 pm, with a potential extension of an extra half-hour if needed.
This innovative rescheduling ensures that players will not experience an uncharacteristically early lunch, helping to maintain their energy levels and competitive spirit throughout the day. The BCCI’s flexibility in adapting Test match management to regional environmental factors demonstrates a commitment to player welfare and the integrity of the game. This move is anticipated to benefit both India and South Africa as they compete in this physically demanding format.
The two-match Test series commences in Kolkata. The Guwahati Test, with its unique timing, promises to be a captivating encounter as both teams vie for supremacy. South Africa may face adjustments to the early starts and the specific pitch conditions influenced by Guwahati’s winter climate. India, enjoying the home advantage, is expected to capitalize on familiarity with the local conditions and weather patterns. Early starts could potentially favor bowlers who can exploit overcast conditions, while batsmen will need to adapt their game plans accordingly.
The swap of tea and lunch breaks, while seemingly a minor change, underscores the BCCI’s forward-thinking approach to fixture planning. These adjustments are designed not only to maximize playtime under natural light but also to enhance the viewing experience for fans. This flexibility, usually associated with day-night Tests, has been innovatively applied to a traditional day Test scenario. The rationale is simple: a practical decision to ensure the rhythm and energy of players are maintained, thereby upholding the quality of cricket played.
