By Our Reporter
Shillong, April 5: The Meghalaya Cricket Association (MCA) has announced its Under-19 men’s and Under-23 women’s squads for the upcoming North East Cricket Development Council (NECDC) Interstate Friendship Tournaments, scheduled to be held from April 6 to 11.
The NECDC, a coordinating body formed in 2016 comprising six northeastern states—Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland and Sikkim—organises the annual tournaments with the aim of promoting unity, strengthening cricketing infrastructure, and providing competitive exposure to players ahead of the domestic season.
This year’s men’s competition, to be played in the Under-19 category on a trial basis, will be held at Sovima in Nagaland, while the women’s tournament, also introduced on a trial basis in the Under-23 category, will take place in Rangpo, Sikkim.The men’s tournament, first held in 2023 with Nagaland emerging champions, has since become a regular feature, with Sovima continuing as the host venue due to its established facilities. The women’s competition, introduced in 2024, has also gained traction, with Sikkim and Nagaland finishing as joint winners in the inaugural edition hosted by Meghalaya.
Meghalaya, which clinched both senior men’s and women’s titles last year, will now look to its younger crop to carry forward that momentum. A preparatory camp for both teams was conducted in Shillong from April 2 to 4.
MCA president James PK Sangma personally saw off the women’s team on Saturday and the men’s team on Sunday, extending his best wishes and urging the players to perform to their full potential and bring laurels to the state.
MCA U-19 men’s squad: Apandanka Marak, Angkit Tamang, Heiyoomiki Ryngkhlem (captain & wicketkeeper), Ashish Kumar Lohar, Benedict J Makdoh, Dipayan Nandi (wicketkeeper), Gaurav Narleng (vice-captain), Gaurav Jyoti Thakuria, Grish Raj Ray, Krishwal Marak, Mewankitbok Kharpuri, Namewanki Pakyntein, Rudra Singh Rathore, Rimtora D Shira, Rohit Sharma.
Support staff: Synrapsing Riahtam (coach), Claystone C Marak (assistant coach), Hamboy Langbang (physio), Santosh Ram (trainer).
MCA U-23 women’s squad: Monica L Phawa (captain), Ankita Sharma, Sara D Kharbani, Pilika Marak, Monycable Marbaniang, Dianchidora Sangma, Ritreki Pohshna, Nerisa Nongrum, Neelam Roy, Janika Marak, Suriti Kumari Ray (vice-captain), Dubleen Nengnong, Abiezer Kharsyiem, Blaridahun Dkhar, Indariakor Kharwanniang.
Support staff: Bhakupar Mylliemngap (coach), Pahara Mukhim (assistant coach), Sushma Thapa (physio), Sweety Marboh (trainer), Sanjay Mandal (manager).
NECDC co-convenor Naba Bhattacharjee stated that the initiative reflects the council’s continued commitment to nurturing talent and building a stronger cricketing ecosystem across the Northeast.
