GUWAHATI, July 29 � Like previous years, Assam has been invited by the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association to take part in the Buchi Babu All India Invitation Tournament which will start at Chennai from August 17, informs Assam Cricket Association secretary Bikash Baruah.
Assam is placed in Zone C along with Kerala, Saurashtra and Uttar Pradesh. Assam will begin their campaign on August 17 and 18 against Kerala, while in the second match they will meet Uttar Pradesh on August 20 and 21. In the final league match, Assam will play against Saurashtra on August 23 and 24.
One team from each zone will qualify for semifinals. The final is slated for August 29 and 30.
The winning team will get Rs 1,00,000 as prize-money while the runners-up team will be richer by Rs 50,000. The losing semifinalists will get Rs 25,000 each.
Altogether 16 teams are taking part in the meet and the teams are divided into four zones.
Apart from the Buchi Babu tournament, Assam will also play a series of practice matches in Orissa and Tripura in the month of September to prepare the team for the Ranji Trophy. Preparation for the Buchi Babu tournament is in full swing at the Nehru Stadium here.
Preparation for the Assam women teams are also going on at the Nehru Stadium here under the watchful eyes of former international Devieka Sathe.
The Assam women team will also be sent for an exposure tour before the season begins.
