Chhattisgarh Cricketers Earn Central Zone Selection for Prestigious BCCI Tournament
In a significant development for women's cricket in the region, two talented players from the Chhattisgarh State Cricket Association (CSCS) have secured spots in the Central Zone squad for the upcoming Senior Women's Inter-Zonal Multi-Day Trophy 2025–26. The tournament, organized by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), will be held in Puducherry starting March 20.
Impressive Domestic Performances Lead to Selection
The selection of opening batter Kriti Gupta and all-rounder Mahak Narwase comes as a direct result of their outstanding contributions during the Senior Women's One Day Trophy. Both athletes emerged as standout performers for Chhattisgarh, showcasing skills that caught the attention of national selectors.
Kriti Gupta established herself as a formidable force at the top of the order, finishing as her team's leading run-scorer with 294 runs in 9 matches. Her exceptional average of 73.50 demonstrated remarkable consistency, highlighted by three half-centuries and an unbeaten 94. This ability to anchor innings and play substantial knocks makes her particularly valuable for the longer format of the multi-day competition.
Meanwhile, Mahak Narwase made her mark with the ball, claiming 20 wickets in just 9 innings at an outstanding average of 14.30. Her ability to strike regularly, including two four-wicket hauls, established her as one of the tournament's most effective bowlers and a key factor in her Central Zone selection.
Tournament Structure and Schedule
The Inter-Zonal Multi-Day Trophy represents one of the premier competitions in Indian women's domestic cricket, featuring teams from six zones:
- North Zone
- South Zone
- Central Zone
- East Zone
- West Zone
- North-East Zone
This tournament brings together the top performers from across the country, providing a crucial platform for emerging talent to showcase their skills at a higher competitive level.
According to the official schedule, Central Zone will begin their campaign against West Zone in the league stage from March 20 to 22. The semi-finals are scheduled for March 26–28, with the final set to be played from April 1–3.
Recognition of Consistent Excellence
Officials from the Chhattisgarh State Cricket Association emphasized that the duo's selection reflects their consistent performances and match-winning contributions throughout the domestic season. Their ability to deliver under pressure and make significant impacts in crucial matches played a decisive role in earning them places in the competitive Central Zone side.
This achievement not only represents personal milestones for Kriti Gupta and Mahak Narwase but also highlights the growing strength of women's cricket infrastructure in Chhattisgarh. Their selection serves as inspiration for aspiring cricketers across the state and demonstrates the effectiveness of the development programs implemented by the CSCS.
As they prepare to represent Central Zone in Puducherry, both players will be looking to translate their domestic success to the inter-zonal stage, potentially catching the eye of national selectors for higher honors in the future.
