Hosts Assam Cricket Association (ACA) are going all out to ensure the success of Sunday’s T20 match between India and Sri Lanka.

In a way, ACA sees this match as a curtain-raiser to the Indian Premier League (IPL) matches of Rajasthan Royals, which had announced making Guwahati as an outstation venue a couple of months back. The city is likely to host three IPL matches if all goes off without a hitch.

“This match is not just important from India or Sri Lanka’s point of view. From ACA’s point of view, this match is a trial or a curtain-raiser for the IPL matches to be held in April. So, this opportunity is crucial for Assam, for the association and for the sports-loving people. We have to present this match in the best possible way,” ACA secretary Devajit Saikia said on Saturday.

He said they would introduce some entertainment during the match on Sunday.

“The entertainment facilities have never occurred during T20 internationals. We have engaged an agency involved in providing entertainment like in the IPL matches. Though there will be no cheerleaders, it’s going to be a very colourful event with DJs and fireworks,” he added.

Saikia also hoped to get advice from BCCI governing council member Mamon Majumdar. He is one of the officials who will take a final call regarding the IPL matches in the next three years.

“For spectators coming from far-off places, we have also arranged for some shuttle buses. They can park their vehicles at a designated spot and take the shuttle busses to the stadium gate,” he said.

This will be the third international cricket match at the ACA Stadium in Barsapara. In 2017, India played against Australia in a T20 game, while it played an ODI against West Indies here in 2018. Apart from that, England women played three T20 matches here against the Indian women’s team.