Agartala, Sep 20 : The Tripura government is focusing on strengthening cricket infrastructure, Chief Minister Manik Saha said on Saturday.
Addressing the annual award ceremony of the Tripura Cricket Association (TCA) at Rabindra Satabarshiki Bhavan, Saha said 30 acres had been allotted at Sekerkote for a modern cricket academy. The facility will also offer training opportunities to players from other northeastern states, he said.
Construction of the state’s international cricket stadium is nearing completion and national and international matches could be hosted there soon, Saha said. Practice grounds are also being developed at Kailashahar, Belonia and Jirania to promote cricket at the grassroots level.
Saha said the government would continue to provide legal and administrative support to the TCA.
He congratulated Mani Shankar Murasingh on becoming the first Tripura cricketer to play 100 Ranji Trophy matches and also highlighted the performances of Sreedam Pal, Hanuma Vihari and Vijay Shankar. He described the success of Tripura’s Under-15 and Under-19 women’s teams in BCCI competitions as a matter of pride for the state.
Stressing the role of sports in keeping young people away from substance abuse, Saha said sporting activities help build discipline and team spirit. He urged young cricketers to work hard and take inspiration from legends including Sunil Gavaskar, Sachin Tendulkar, Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Virat Kohli.
Sports Minister Tinku Roy said the department’s “Talent Search Scheme” was helping identify promising players from rural areas through competitions at the sub-divisional, district and state levels.
At the ceremony, Tripura’s Under-15 and Under-19 women’s teams, winners of the Plate Group in the 2025-26 one-day tournaments, were felicitated along with their support staff. Each team received a cheque of Rs 10 lakh.
First-class cricketer Abhijit Sarkar was also felicitated for his performance in the 2026-27 Duleep Trophy. Successful teams, players and coaches from TCA-run competitions were also honoured.
TCA secretary Subrata Dey delivered the welcome address. Vice-president Upananda Debbarma, joint secretary Jayanta Dey and other officials, besides representatives of cricket associations from different northeastern states, attended the programme. TCA president Tapan Lodh proposed the vote of thanks.
