The Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association (MPCA) has launched a comprehensive strategy to decentralise and democratise cricket across the state. In a significant meeting held on Tuesday, the association's managing committee, under the leadership of president Mahanaaryaman Scindia, approved a series of decisions aimed at taking the sport beyond major urban centres and into the heart of its districts.
Grassroots Focus: Infrastructure and Unbiased Selection
The core of the new initiative is a sustained focus on district-level cricket. The committee resolved to improve access to playing grounds, upgrade training facilities, and ensure young talents receive adequate competitive exposure locally. MPCA secretary Sudhir Asnani emphasised that teams are currently visiting districts to assess existing infrastructure and ensure proper utilisation of provided facilities.
Asnani further stated that the selection process for higher-level teams would be closely monitored to ensure performance is the sole criterion. This move is designed to eliminate bias and create a clear pathway for talented players from smaller towns to progress into divisional and state teams.
Empowering Women's Cricket and Infrastructure Upgrades
In a major push for gender equality in sports, the meeting prominently featured discussions on boosting women's cricket. A proposal to provide monthly financial assistance to women cricketers was tabled. The finance committee has been tasked with preparing a detailed framework that will define eligibility criteria and the mode of disbursement.
Furthermore, the umpire committee suggested innovative measures like providing light meters to all divisions and conducting a separate umpiring examination exclusively for women, moving away from the current combined test system.
On the infrastructure front, the committee greenlit essential development works at the Indore and Gwalior stadiums. These necessary upgrades are intended to meet operational standards for hosting both domestic and international matches.
Preparations for India vs New Zealand ODI in Indore
The committee also made headway in preparations for the upcoming India vs New Zealand One Day International scheduled for January 18 in Indore. While the ticket prices have been finalised, the date for the commencement of sales is yet to be announced. MPCA officials confirmed that details will be shared a day before sales begin.
The first meeting of the organising committee for this high-profile match was also held. It saw participation from a wide array of stakeholders including IDCA president Akash Vijayvargiya, police department ACP Ramsanehi Mishra, deputy commissioner revenue Sapna Lovanshi, and other civic officials. The discussion covered critical match-related issues like security, coordination, and logistical arrangements in detail.
This multi-pronged approach by the MPCA signals a robust effort to build a stronger, more inclusive, and consistent talent pipeline for Madhya Pradesh cricket, ensuring the sport's growth reaches every corner of the state.
