The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced a change in match timings for the India vs South Africa 2nd Test 2025, scheduled to be played in Guwahati from November 22. In a rare and practical move, the Test will begin 30 minutes earlier than usual, with play starting at 9:00 AM IST instead of the standard 9:30 AM. Moreover, for the first time in a day Test, the tea break will be taken before lunch, a scheduling pattern typically reserved for day-night matches.
This decision comes as Guwahati prepares to host its first-ever Test match, marking a historic moment for cricket in northeast India. The BCCI’s timing adjustment is aimed at optimizing daylight hours, given the region’s early sunrise and sunset during the winter season.
Why the Time Change Was Needed
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia, who hails from Assam, confirmed that the change was made keeping local climatic and daylight conditions in mind. “In winters, sunrise and sunset happen much earlier in the northeast. By around 4 PM, the daylight starts fading, making it difficult to continue play safely. So, we decided to start the match at 9 AM to ensure full-day play under natural light,” Saikia said in a statement to ESPNcricinfo.
He also emphasized that the decision was purely practical, ensuring no overs are lost due to poor visibility and the quality of cricket remains unaffected.
Revised Guwahati Test Schedule
The India vs South Africa 2nd Test at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati, will follow these adjusted session timings:
- Toss: 8:30 AM IST
- First Session: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
- Tea Break: 11:00 AM – 11:20 AM
- Second Session: 11:20 AM – 1:20 PM
- Lunch Break: 1:20 PM – 2:00 PM
- Third Session: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
This rare shift in session order is designed to utilize maximum daylight while maintaining player welfare and audience engagement.
This will be the first-ever Test match hosted in Guwahati, making it a landmark event for Assam and the entire northeast region. The city has already proven its ability to host major cricket fixtures, including matches from the Women’s ODI World Cup, and now steps into red-ball cricket with global attention.
For local fans, it’s a proud moment to see the Barsapara Stadium join India’s elite Test venues. For players, however, it will mean early starts, cooler morning conditions, and adapting to unfamiliar light patterns that could favor fast bowlers in the first session.
Experts have praised the BCCI’s flexibility, calling it a progressive approach to scheduling. Swapping the tea and lunch sessions, while unconventional, helps players manage energy levels during cooler mornings. It also ensures spectators experience uninterrupted play during the brightest part of the day.
This adjustment echoes the adaptive strategies seen in day-night Tests, but applied here to suit local geographical needs. It showcases how the BCCI is not only prioritizing player comfort and match continuity, but also innovating to keep Test cricket engaging and practical across diverse Indian venues.
