NE cricket to get a lift under BCCI prez

Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president Anurag Thakur being welcomed............ — ***Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president Anurag Thakur being welcomed…………***

SHILLONG, JUNE 1: Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) chief Anurag Thakur said the board is proposing to

... also seen during the press conference are Shillong Lok Sabha MP Vincent Pala — ***… also seen during the press conference are Shillong Lok Sabha MP Vincent Pala***

develop cricket infrastructure in the north east including Meghalaya to promote the sport in the region.

According to Thakur, who had recently taken over top post of the board, cricket indoor facility will soon be developed for Meghalaya. “Within next couple of months, we will start the indoor facility here,” he said while announcing similar infrastructures for Dimapur in Nagaland.

Thakur also a BJP MP arrived in the state capital as part of his official tour of the New Area Development Project (NADP) states. This is his second visit to a member state, after taking charge as the president.

He also interacted with the selected Under-19 age group cricketers of North East, presently undergoing coaching in the city under the tutelage of coaches and trainers from National Cricket Academy of BCCI.

The BCCI president also said,“I can understand the problem you faced as I come from a hilly state. Because of heavy rainfall, I know it is difficult to practice in this area.”

He also urged the affiliate and associate member states to keep promoting the game by holding camps and games in an organized manner.

“In the future you will get lot of support from BCCI including infrastructure funding,” he said, adding that the BCCI is ‘creating blueprint’ for cricket in North East.

Urging the member states to send the balance sheet to get the annual grants due to them, the BCCI president also hinted at doubling the annual grants.

Presently each affiliate and associate member state gets Rs 50 lakh. “We will try and recommend that it should be doubles so that you can do well in this region,” he said.

According to Thakur, all states under BCCI’s NADP should also have grounds to host international matches, inter district and inter club matches and an indoor practice area.

The BCCI president also announced that a tournament will be organised within July 31 where associate and affiliate members will get opportunity to play in junior tournament from where national selectors will pick 15 players who will then participate in national championships.-By Our Reporter