Meghalaya can produce national and IPL/WPL level players in another 5-6 years
Shillong, May 31: In a groundbreaking move for cricket in the North East, Naba Bhattacharjee, co-convenor of the North East Cricket Development Committee (NECDC) and president of the Meghalaya Cricket Association, has unveiled ambitious plans for the future ahead of the 9th NECDC Conclave and 3rd Achievers Awards Night event at the State Convention Centre, Shillong.
In an exclusive interview with The Shillong Times, Bhattacharjee revealed that the NECDC is in the advanced stages of establishing a T20 league modeled on the IPL, poised to elevate the region’s cricketing profile. He confidently predicted that within the next 5-6 years, Meghalaya will be producing players capable of competing at the national level and in the IPL/WPL, marking a significant milestone in the region’s cricketing journey.
Bhattacharjee shed light on the arduous journey that led to the North East states achieving full permanent membership of the BCCI. Initially, the six states were merely associate members, with no funding or opportunity to participate in BCCI tournaments. The path to recognition was strewn with challenges. Bhattacharjee and his colleagues faced frequent walkouts, arguments, and debates, which seemed to bear little impact. By 2016, the situation looked bleak, but Bhattacharjee’s determination did not wane. He recounts, “One afternoon, I landed in Dimapur and met Neiphiu Rio, then President of the Nagaland Cricket Association. After hours of deliberation, we agreed to unite and present a concerted approach.” This meeting sowed the seeds of the NECDC, with its first conclave held in Dimapur on April 23, 2016.
Their united effort coincided with the recommendations of Justice R.M. Lodha, advocating for a “One State-One Vote” formula. By 2018, all six states were granted full membership, allowing them to play in Ranji and other BCCI tournaments, thus forming a new North East Zone in addition to the existing five zones of the BCCI. The NECDC’s initiatives, such as the Friendship Cup and Achievers Awards, have significantly boosted cricket development in the region. These programs foster a strong bond among players from the six states, encouraging and recognizing both team and individual performances in BCCI tournaments. “All the states have made remarkable strides in the last 5-6 years,” Bhattacharjee added.
Exchange programs, clinics for coaches, umpires, physios, and trainers have been pivotal in building a strong support staff cadre within the North East states. Bhattacharjee highlighted, “We do not have to depend much anymore on resources from outside. Our local talents have stepped in and filled the spaces in most cases.” Despite these advancements, there is still no representation of players from Meghalaya in the IPL. Bhattacharjee urges patience, stating, “Rome was not built in a day. We are just 5-6 years old. Give us another 5-6 years, and we will produce national and IPL/WPL level players.” He emphasized the support from the current BCCI management, led by Jay Shah, with ongoing infrastructure projects and improved funding.
Addressing the potential for a state-based T20 league in Meghalaya, Bhattacharjee is optimistic. “All forms of tournaments help. More the matches cricketers play, faster the improvement,” he said. The NECDC is already organizing inter-state tournaments for men and women, with plans to extend these to various age categories.
Local leagues are seen as the nurseries from which quality cricketers emerge. Bhattacharjee praised the Shillong League, which involves over 50 clubs in four divisions, as the foundation of Meghalaya Cricket. Other districts, like Tura, are also catching up.
As the NECDC inches closer to launching its T20 league, Bhattacharjee remains cautiously optimistic, stating, “We are at a fairly advanced stage. It will not be fair to divulge more without a final call taken by all 6 members.” The future of cricket in the North East looks promising, with the region poised to produce players who will shine on national and international stages.