In a significant push to bolster cricket in the northeastern region, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia has called for a concentrated effort to nurture emerging talent and build sustainable infrastructure across Assam. Speaking on Friday at the inauguration of the new Assam Cricket Association (ACA) stadium in the Dima Hasao district, Saikia outlined a clear roadmap for the state's cricketing future.
Building the Foundation: Pitches, Grounds, and Maintenance
Devajit Saikia emphasised that creating quality playing surfaces and practice facilities statewide is non-negotiable for proper player development. He stated that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is committed to ensuring both boys and girls receive top-tier coaching by improving the foundational infrastructure.
However, he identified a major hurdle: the ongoing upkeep of these facilities. Saikia pointed out that a shortage of skilled curators and groundsmen poses a serious risk, humorously noting that without their expertise, stadiums could degrade into "paddy fields." For the newly inaugurated stadium, the immediate action plan is to assemble a dedicated team to maintain the pitch to national standards.
Creating Pathways Through Tournaments
Beyond bricks and mortar, Saikia underscored the critical role of competitive matches. He stressed that organising regular tournaments at club and age-group levels is essential to provide match experience and foster a strong competitive spirit among Assam's cricketers.
He explained the existing talent pipeline: Club cricket tournaments under the ACA and age-group events serve as the primary scouting grounds. Promising players progress to district teams, where they come under the radar of selectors who can then recommend them for national-level competitions. This system, Saikia believes, is crucial for early identification and guided development of exceptional players.
A New Hub for Future Stars
The new stadium itself, built on 30 bighas of land allotted by the Dima Hasao Autonomous Council, is envisioned as a game-changer. Saikia confirmed that the facility will host major tournaments and provide equal opportunities for male and female athletes. He expressed optimism that districts like Dima Hasao could produce the next generation of cricket stars, following in the footsteps of Assam's own Uma Chetry.
Saikia's address marks a focused commitment from the BCCI to elevate Assam's stature in Indian cricket, combining infrastructure investment with robust talent development systems to unlock the region's full potential.
