SHILLONG, June 28: The Meghalaya Cricket Association (MCA) is planning to develop the cricket ground at Kurkalang into a major cricketing facility with nine pitches as part of its efforts to expand sports infrastructure in the State, MCA president James Sangma said.
Sangma said the association has already requested BCCI chief curator Ashish Bhowmick to inspect the site and prepare a detailed proposal for the development of the ground. Work on the project is expected to begin after the proposal is submitted.
He said the land at Kurkalang had been leased to the MCA by the village authorities several years ago.
His visit to the site was initially to review why the Indoor Cricket Academy had not been commissioned, during which it was found that the installation of a transformer was the only issue delaying its operationalisation. The matter was subsequently resolved, allowing the academy to be inaugurated.
According to Sangma, the adjoining cricket ground, although not ideal in size, is capable of hosting full-fledged cricket activities.
He added that the association is also exploring the possibility of acquiring additional land to accommodate galleries and eventually develop a full-fledged cricket stadium.
He pointed out that Meghalaya currently has only two BCCI-recognised cricket grounds—the MCA Ground at Polo in Shillong and the Alotgre Cricket Ground in Tura.
Given the State’s limited cricket season because of heavy rainfall, he said additional grounds are essential for organising tournaments, coaching camps and other cricketing activities throughout the year.
Sangma expressed confidence that the proposed development would significantly strengthen cricket infrastructure in Meghalaya and provide aspiring cricketers with better training and competition facilities.
