MCA secretary says, we can expect to play against big teams like Mumbai,
Saurashtra, Karnataka and all-state teams to come to Meghalaya for home matches
By Monojit Mandal
In a monumental achievement, the Meghalaya cricket team has secured a place in the final of the Ranji Trophy 2023-24 Plate Group, propelling them into the coveted Elite Group for the next season. This historic feat was accomplished with a resounding victory over Mizoram in the plate semifinal held in Mangaldai, Assam, where Meghalaya emerged triumphant by six wickets.
In an exclusive interview with The Shillong Times, Gideon Kharkongor, Secretary of the Meghalaya Cricket Association (MCA), shed light on the team’s remarkable journey and their preparations for the challenges ahead.
Kharkongor expressed cautious optimism regarding the competition in the upcoming Ranji Trophy Elite Group matches. He stated, “We cannot say for sure about the fixture at this moment because the fixture and groupings will be done later after this season gets over. Definitely, we can expect to play against big teams like Mumbai, Saurashtra, Karnataka, etc…” Regarding preparations, Kharkongor affirmed, “We are already preparing plans for the coming season and we are on the job to start the process soon.”
When questioned about strategies for player selection and pitch conditions for home games, Kharkongor highlighted the MCA’s inclusive approach, stating, “This time we qualify for 4 categories, i.e., U16 boys, U19 boys, U23 Men, and Senior Men Ranji. So we expect all states to come now to Meghalaya to play the home matches. For this too, we are working on the venues.” The discussion also touched upon infrastructure enhancements and talent-scouting initiatives. Kharkongor emphasized, “We already have national standard facilities at Polo Ground and we will improve on this. Similarly, we will put into place the required facilities at Alotgre, Tura, as an alternate ground for us. While we have two more grounds for practice etc., i.e., at Kurkalang and at Nongkhrah both at Ri Bhoi District.” Addressing the significance of this qualification for Meghalaya cricket, Kharkongor expressed, “Indeed, this will be very challenging for us, but we hope it will be a great boost for cricket in the state and more competitive cricket is played so that we can nurture better players in the future.”Regarding support from the BCCI, Kharkongor stated, “By convention, BCCI helps with the hosting subsidy but definitely we will also be seeking more financial assistance from the BCCI for our infrastructure development.”
Kharkongor also elaborated on plans for talent grooming and collaborations with other sports bodies, underscoring the MCA’s commitment to fostering cricketing talent and promoting the sport among the youth of Meghalaya.
In a message to cricket fans and supporters, Kharkongor expressed gratitude for their unwavering support and called for continued backing as the team embarks on this exhilarating journey in the Ranji Trophy Elite Group. He said, “We need the constant support from all our stakeholders to carry forward our dreams and make it more of our realities.”
The Ranji Trophy is a premier first-class cricket tournament in India. It was inaugurated in 1934 and is named after Ranjitsinhji, the famed Indian cricketer who played for England in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The tournament is contested between regional cricket teams representing different states and territories of India.