As the northeast states gear up for their Ranji Trophy debut, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) extends its help to the state associations with resources, infrastructure and friendly advices for successful introduction in the series. The new associations are being advised to opt and hunt for local talent instead of importing payers.
In a meeting held between BCCI task force and officials of North East states, the newly introduced associations into BCCI under the directions of the Supreme Court, have been advised to not take the easy way out of importing players from the other parts and instead focus on the long-term goal of developing local talent.
Naba Bhattacharjee, secretary of Meghalaya Cricket Association said that “It was discussed that outstation players shouldn’t be engaged and everyone was told that maximum three guest players are allowed as per BCCI’s stipulation.”
Adding further, Bhattacharjee said “Maximum support should be given to local players, winning is not important but building the team, generating interest in the game among the local players is what is the focus. Or the entire purpose will be defeated.”
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There has been limited cricket in the region of Meghalaya, Manipur, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim and Mizoram, but there is plenty of talent.
The BCCI will be providing all the six states with their accredited NCA coaches, physios and trainers (men’s, boys age group, women, girls’ age group). Normally the BCCI units pay for their support staff but for NE states, the parent body will make an exception.
