IPL 2026 Ground Staff Reward: Guwahati Heroes Get $30,000 Bonus

Dr. Annelies De Vos · 2026-04-13

The Assam Cricket Association (ACA) made headlines on April 12, 2026, by announcing a cash reward of $30,000 (₹25 lakh) for the ground staff at Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati. The ACA shared a post on social media, recognizing the team's exceptional work during three high-stakes IPL 2026 matches. These matches were home games for the Rajasthan Royals, and the ground staff prepared top-quality pitches under extreme weather pressure. The ACA leadership decided to honor these unsung heroes who kept the stadium's reputation intact despite persistent rainfall. ### ACA Recognizes the Backbone of IPL 2026 ACA President Taranga Gogoi and Secretary Sanatan Das confirmed the reward, thanking the team for their professionalism. They officially called the ground staff the true unsung heroes of the tournament. While players get most of the attention, the association highlighted that ground staff form the backbone of every match operation. > "Behind the successful hosting of three IPL matches at ACA Stadium stands a team that works tirelessly away from the spotlight — our dedicated ground staff." — Assam Cricket Association The staff maintained strict international standards, allowing matches to proceed without major disruptions. The ACA proudly shared a post on their X account, celebrating the groundsmen's invaluable contribution.  ### How Barsapara Stadium Tackles Bad Weather The past few matches in Guwahati faced serious challenges due to persistent rainfall. Rain and cloudy skies delayed and nearly canceled multiple games. During the match against the Mumbai Indians, the ground staff used specialized machines to dry the outfield quickly. Although the rain lasted a long time, the staff removed the covers immediately after it stopped. The game started at 10:10 PM but was reduced to an 11-over-a-side contest due to time constraints. It was a nail-biter, but the crowd stayed engaged thanks to the staff's quick work.  ### Rajasthan Royals' Perfect Streak in Guwahati The ground staff and curators directly helped the Rajasthan Royals achieve a perfect record at their second home. RR won all three matches at Barsapara Stadium, beating Chennai Super Kings, Mumbai Indians, and Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Rajasthan Royals shared a post on X, thanking Guwahati for making all three games possible. The team's unbeaten run in Guwahati kept them at the top of the IPL 2026 points table. RR skipper Riyan Parag personally thanked the ground staff with gifts and group photos after the victory against Mumbai Indians. It was a heartwarming moment that showed the deep respect players have for those who prepare the field. ### Leadership and Government Support Successful matches required more than just ground preparation. The ACA extended sincere thanks to Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma for his full support despite being busy with election duties. They also thanked BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia for consistently backing Assam cricket. Safety and logistics were top priorities. The ACA praised Guwahati Police Commissioner Partha Sarathi Mahanta for managing crowds and traffic. Multiple government departments cooperated to ensure smooth operations. - **Key contributions:** - Chief Minister's office provided full logistical support. - BCCI helped bring three IPL matches to Guwahati. - Police managed over 40,000 fans per match without incident. - Municipal teams ensured clean facilities and water supply. The ground staff's efforts went beyond just preparing pitches. They dealt with rain delays, equipment failures, and tight schedules — all while staying out of the limelight. Their $30,000 reward is a small token for the massive role they play in making IPL magic happen.