Cricket comes to West Jaintia Hills: 5.93 acres for new ground secured!

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJanuary 5, 2025

In a major development for cricket in the region, the West Jaintia Hills District Cricket Association (WJHDCA) has secured 5.93 acres of land to establish a state-of-the-art cricket ground, overcoming previous setbacks in acquiring land in Ummulong Village. This landmark achievement marks a significant step toward promoting and fostering local cricket talent in rural Meghalaya.

In a statement issued on January 5, WJHDCA General Secretary Waibor Sohlang highlighted that the Meghalaya Cricket Association (MCA) has made the establishment of cricket grounds and related infrastructure a top priority in recent years. The initiative aims to identify land for the development of facilities in districts across the state, ensuring greater access to cricket for young talent and encouraging grassroots-level participation.

The formalities for setting up a cricket ground in Mukhla, located within West Jaintia Hills District, were finalized on January 4, 2025. A tripartite lease agreement was signed between the Mukhla Dorbar Pyllun, WJHDCA, and MCA, formally acquiring the 5.93-acre plot to transform it into a world-class cricket facility with all required amenities.

The land acquisition was made possible through the collective efforts of the WJHDCA, with strong support from local MLA Wailadmiki Shylla, a fervent cricket enthusiast, and the Mukhla Dorbar Pyllun. The agreement signing, presided over by Eddystone Shylla, President of WJHDCA, was attended by key stakeholders including Wailadmiki Shylla, MLA; Naba Bhattacharjee, President of MCA; Rayonald Kharkamni, Vice President of MCA; Dhrubajyoti Thakuria, Treasurer of MCA; Waibor Sohlang, Secretary of WJHDCA; and Hamran Shylla, President of Mukhla Dorbar Pyllun, alongside Hachwa Suna, General Secretary of Mukhla Dorbar Pyllun. All were signatories to the deed agreement.

During the ceremony, MCA President Naba Bhattacharjee extended heartfelt gratitude to the Mukhla Dorbar Pyllun for their generous contribution, providing the land strategically located along the roadside, just a few kilometers from the highway. The site offers excellent logistical connectivity, making it an ideal location for the proposed cricket ground. Before the signing, the site was thoroughly inspected by the team, who expressed full satisfaction with the land’s configuration and suitability for a professional cricket facility.

In addition to the cricket ground, plans are underway for the construction of a standard football stadium on an adjacent plot, further enhancing the region’s sporting infrastructure. The MCA reaffirmed its ongoing commitment to supporting such initiatives, recognizing the critical role of accessible, quality sporting facilities in empowering the next generation of athletes and encouraging the growth of cricket at the grassroots level.

With this new development, the West Jaintia Hills District is poised to become a hub for sporting excellence, providing a platform for young cricketers to showcase their talents and take their game to the next level.