By Firstdespatch Desk Sep 20, 2026
Agartala, Sept 20 (FD) The Tripura government is giving special emphasis to strengthening cricket infrastructure and creating greater opportunities for young players, Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha said on Saturday, highlighting the development of a modern cricket academy at Sekerkote and the near completion of an international cricket stadium at Narsingarh.
Addressing the annual award distribution ceremony of the Tripura Cricket Association (TCA) at Rabindra Shatabarshiki Bhavan in Agartala, Saha said around 30 acres of land had already been allotted by the state government at Sekerkote for construction of a state-of-the-art cricket academy.
The proposed academy, he said, could eventually become an important training centre not only for players from Tripura but also for cricketers from other northeastern states.
The Chief Minister also said construction of the much-awaited international cricket stadium at Narsingarh was nearing completion. He expressed hope that national and international matches would soon be hosted at the venue.
Saha said cricket had witnessed a significant rise in popularity, with parents increasingly encouraging their children to take up the sport. He credited the joint efforts of the TCA and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for helping Tripura players make their presence felt at the national level.
He assured the TCA of continued legal and administrative support from the government for the development of cricket in the state.
Saha also said improved practice grounds were being developed in places such as Kailashahar, Belonia and Jirania to promote cricket at the grassroots level.
Highlighting achievements by Tripura cricketers, the Chief Minister congratulated Mani Shankar Murasingh for becoming the first player from the state to complete 100 Ranji Trophy matches. He also praised the consistent performances of cricketer Sridam Pal and acknowledged the contributions of guest players Hanuma Vihari and Vijay Shankar.
Saha described the achievements of Tripura's women's teams in BCCI-organised Under-15 and Under-19 competitions as a matter of pride for the state.
Emphasising the role of sports in keeping young people away from substance abuse, the Chief Minister said sporting activities promote discipline, regularity and teamwork. He urged young players to draw inspiration from cricket legends such as Sunil Gavaskar, Sachin Tendulkar, Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Virat Kohli and pursue their goals with hard work and dedication.
Sports Minister Tinku Roy said the Sports Department had introduced a Talent Search Scheme to identify promising players from rural areas. Competitions are being organised at subdivision, district and state levels under the initiative, with rural players performing strongly in the Under-14, Under-17 and Under-19 categories.
During the programme, Tripura's Under-15 and Under-19 women's teams, which won the Plate Group of the 2025-26 one-day tournament, along with their support staff, were felicitated. Saha handed over cheques of Rs 10 lakh each to the two teams.
First-class cricketer Abhijit Sarkar was also felicitated for his special achievement in the 2026-27 Duleep Trophy. Successful teams, players and coaches from various TCA-run competitions were also honoured.
TCA secretary Subrata Dey delivered the welcome address. TCA vice-president Upananda Debbarma, joint secretary Jayanta Dey and other officials were present, along with presidents and secretaries of cricket associations from different northeastern states. TCA president Tapan Lodh delivered the vote of thanks. FD SB