Imphal, September 16: Depending on everything planned falling into place, the State is all set to witness the first ever national level cricket competition in the shape of the Under-16 Boys' Cricket tournament in November and December this year.

The Manipur Cricket Association affiliated in 1998 to the Board of Control for Cricket In India (BCCI) will host the competition which will, besides Manipur, feature teams from Sikkim and West among others.

Informing that playing fields are being developed at Luwangpokpa and Khuman Lampak Sports Complex to meet the deadline for the tournament, MCA treasurer Leitanthem Rajesh expressed gratitude to the BCCI for selecting MCA as host for the tournament.

Exuding confidence of the tournament spanning interest among the sports-crazy youngsters and affirming that such an initiative of the BCCI is guaranteed to boost morale of budding cricketers strive for further excellence, Rajesh said under the joint supervision of cricket field experts Robin Mukherjee and Ashish from Tripura the pitches/grounds are being developed at the proposed venues.

Further informing that Robin Mukherjee is the BCCI's east zone chief curator, the MCA functionary disclosed of the BCCI having provided a bowling machine and roller (one ton) for development of the game of cricket here in the State.

Describing cricketers of the State as talented and readily adaptable to India's most popular and money spinning game, he nevertheless rued that owing to absence of basic facilities such as good pitch and lack of exposure outside Manipur proper tapping of talented players and honing their skills are being impeded.

He also cited such factors are the root cause for popularity of cricket having declined compared to the 70s and 80s and added that many talented players have had to hang up their boots or choose other sports without actually showcasing their talents.

Elucidating on his remarks, Rajesh pointed to about 50 cricket clubs affiliated to the MCA in A-Group in 1989 contrary to existence of a mere 15 clubs at present.

He, however expressed elation that State women's cricketers had been able to compete and make their opponents run for their money and specifically mentioned securing the runners-up position in the East Zone Cricket Tournament held at Jharkhand last year.

Further conveying that State eves have set sight on participating in the age-group national women's cricket championship likely to be held in West bengal or Orissa in December this year, Rajesh stated "with the BCCI extending its support for all-round development of cricket in the State our players have now begun intense training and they are certain to develop their skill as two good pitches are set for completion." Apart from the BCCI having conducted a 10 day clinic for umpires (locals) at Imphal it is informed that MCA has already established an academy wherein about 79 youths are being put through the training rigours.

Comment