Meghalaya Cricket Association strengthens grassroots development with academy, training pitch in Jowai

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaFebruary 23, 2025

The Meghalaya Cricket Association (MCA) has announced the establishment of a cricket academy in East Jaintia Hills and a dedicated training pitch in Jowai, West Jaintia Hills, marking a significant step in cricket development in the state. The initiative, led by the East Jaintia Hills District Cricket Association (EJHDCA) and the West Jaintia Hills District Cricket Association (WJHDCA), aims to provide structured training and modern facilities for young cricketers.

Speaking at the first-ever Apex Council meeting in Jowai on February 18, MCA President Naba Bhattacharjee reaffirmed the association’s commitment to grassroots development. He stated, “As all of you know, in cricket or any other sport, there is no off-season. Once one season ends, preparations for the next begin immediately. We are committed to strengthening local talent, and these new facilities will provide our young cricketers with much-needed training infrastructure.”

MCA remains focused on expanding cricketing opportunities across Meghalaya, with major efforts in infrastructure development and local player growth. The association is securing and developing grounds in Nongstoin, Mendipathar, and Mukhla in West Jaintia Hills, with Mukhla set to become a key cricketing hub in the next two to three years. Supported by MLA Wailadmiki Shylla and the West Jaintia District Cricket Association, the project aims to provide high-quality playing facilities.

The Apex Council also reconstituted its office bearers following a by-election conducted under Clause 15 of the MCA Constitution. The process was initiated after the outgoing Honorary Secretary resigned due to professional and family commitments. Rayonold Kharkamni, the outgoing Vice-President, was elected as Honorary Secretary, while Sengnab Momin was elected as Vice-President and Gideon Kharkongor as Member Councillor. The election results, declared on February 13, 2025, were submitted to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for official records. The election process was overseen by W. Khyllep, IAS (Retd.), former Chief Electoral Officer of Meghalaya.

MCA President Bhattacharjee emphasized the importance of structured training programs and trained coaches at the district level. “You cannot simply nominate someone as a coach. They have to start from Level O, then progress to Level A, and eventually Level B. We want every district to have its own trained coaches because cricket is a highly technical game that requires proper guidance from the grassroots level,” he explained. MCA has also extended financial support to district associations for training and coaching programs.

The association continues its efforts to develop cricket grounds across Meghalaya. New grounds have been established in Mawkyrwat and Nongstoin, with Nongkhrah emerging as a key hub for junior cricket, having hosted a North East tournament. An indoor training facility is nearing completion in Kurkalang, Ri-Bhoi, allowing year-round practice despite Meghalaya’s high rainfall. This initiative was initially proposed by Bhattacharjee in 2017 as part of BCCI’s NADP and is now being implemented across all six North Eastern states.

MCA is also working on cricket grounds in Mendipathar, Alotgre, and South Garo Hills. Alotgre has been recognized as an official BCCI venue for domestic matches and has already hosted a CK Nayudu match, with more games scheduled for the next season. However, challenges remain in East Garo Hills, where the cricket ground was taken over by Khelo India.

Bhattacharjee reaffirmed MCA’s vision to make cricket accessible across Meghalaya, stating, “Cricket should not remain an elitist game. We want to make it accessible across Meghalaya. We never know where the next Dhoni or Harmanpreet might emerge from.”

The Apex Council meeting was attended by MCA officials and district representatives. With increasing participation in cricket, MCA remains committed to infrastructure development and player training, ensuring Meghalaya becomes a recognized cricketing hub.