Cricket In Tripura

The hilly state of Tripura is the tiniest sister of the North-East states of India. It was Princely state before Independence. Moreover the socio-economic condition of the general people also stood in the way of popularization of costly game of Cricket in that time.

In 1949-50 Maharaj Kumar Kirit Bikram Kishore who acquired Cricket knowledge in London during studies used to organize cricket-net in the Palace Compound during his vacation period at Agartala. Obviously the game was limited to Royal family members and high officials.

Perhaps, the first competitive Cricket match was organized by Maharaja’s team (HHK XI) against Comilla XI (East Pakistan) under the Captaincy of late Jogesh Chakraborty, Ex.-Minister of Tripura. This was the beginning of popularization of Cricket in the state. Within few years Government departments, Institutions started playing Cricket among themselves and simultaneously boys from different localities being inspired by late Jogesh Chakraborty was able to form Cricket Clubs in 1952-53.

The first Cricket Tournament (Tapan Memorial) was organized by Tripura Sports Association on Knockout basis in 1960. Matches had to be conducted on the grounds, which were inadequate in qualities.

In the 1968 Tripura Cricket Association was formed separately and the Cricket atmosphere developed in the state. The inadequacy of fund was the only problem which was party compensated by Tripura Sports Council’s grants to association and clubs during 1972.

In 1976, Tripura become as Associated member of the Board of control for Cricket in India. By this time Cricket spread all over the state.

In 1984, Tripura was promoted to full member of the Board. Since then Tripura has been participating in Ranji Tournament along with all Junior Tournaments. This also opened the avenue for grants from BCCI.

Much stress was given to the Infrastructure development of Cricket in the state. The Government of Tripura has extended great help in this regard. MBB Stadium has been very kindly handed over to Tripura Cricket Association b the Government with beautiful galleries for 20 years on lease. With generous matching grants of BCCI it has been possible for TCA to develop MBB Stadium as an International standard Cricket arena.

Junior boys are coming up. Rajesh Banik and Tushar Saha of this state had represented India in Under-15 Asia Cup in Malaysia and Under-15 World Cricket Challenge in UK during 2000.

The present committee:

President: Nirmalya Kumar Datta.                                                                                 Vice-Presidents: Shakti Bhattacherjee and Biman Bhattacherjee.                             
General Secretary: Samiran Chakraborty.                                                                       
Joint Secretarys; Ariandam Ganguly and Md. Manik Kazi.                                    
Treasurer: Biprajit Purakayastha.

Affiliated Clubs: Joynagar Cricket Club, Cosmopolitan Club, Sphulinga Club, Mouchak Club, Harvey Club, Banamalipur Cricket Club, Satadal Sangha, Blood Mouth Club, United Friends, United BST, Polestar Club, Old Play Center, Chaloman Sangha and Sanghati Club.

Affiliated Sub-divisions: Sadar, Bishalgar, Sonamura, Udaipur, Amarpur, Sabroom, Belonia, Khowai, Kamalpur, Kailasahar, Ambasa, Kanchanpur, Dharmanagar, Gandachara and Langtharai.

Affiliated Unit: Tripura Cricket Umpires Association.

Domestic Tournaments: Jogesh Chakraborty Memorial Cricket Tournament, Super Division League Cricket Tournament, First Division League Cricket Tournament, Nursery Cricket Tournament for Under-12, Under-14 boys, State Meet Cricket Tournament for Senior Level, Under-12, School Tournament.

Transfer and Withdrawal time: In the month of September.

Session Starts: In the month of October.
 
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