BCCI’s finance committee has proposed Rs 50 crore financial models for North East states’ infrastructure development. The convener of NE state cricket association, Naba Bhattacharya looked very excited after hearing this news and believes this will help in producing new talents from this region.
Bhattacharya said while speaking with media that it was long due from BCCI and now they are taking steps towards development in these regions as well. He said “I am very happy and look at this as an opportunity to promote the game further in the region. Once we have proper school leagues and competitions, more talent will come out and take cricket in the region to newer heights. This was long overdue and while I have got a few congratulatory messages, this is the result of everyone’s efforts and I have only tried to channelize the effort of the people from North East in the right direction.”
Also, he thinks, now, Dhonis and Kohlis will come from this region as well. “If Jharkhand can produce Dhoni, why can’t a state from North East? I am confident we can get together and provide the national team with players of the caliber of Dhoni and Kohli in the future. Right now, we do not have the required infrastructure to help provide the platform for budding cricketers to shine, but all that will change once we start getting funds. That day isn’t too far when you will be cheering for a North East player in the Indian team,” said Bhattacharya.
Area Development Programme (NADP) has developed this whole new structure for the development of infrastructure in North East states. CEO of NADP, Abhishek Dalmiya welcomed this decision and said “I have been given to understand that the Finance Committee of the BCCI has recommended to allocate a separate fund of Rs 50 crores for development of Infrastructure in the Northeastern states. It is a much positive and a needed step.”
NADP has included all aspects of building a cricketing atmosphere in North Eastern states and listed development of full-size cricket grounds, indoor stadiums, well-equipped school cricket tournaments etc. However, COA is yet to approve this recommendation and progress will start only after their approval.
“Considering the pan-India approach, it is of utmost importance to ensure appropriate infrastructure is created in these states so that they are in a position to compete,” Dalmiya concluded.
Today, Assam (Guwahati) will host the second India-Australia T20 International in Barsapara Stadium, which is making its International debut. Thus, a revolution of cricket in North East India is on cards.
