MCA’s big moves: New rules, fresh vision for Cricket in Meghalaya

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaNovember 28, 2024

The Meghalaya Cricket Association (MCA) held its 19th Apex Council Meeting and 6th Annual General Meeting on Saturday November 23 at the Shillong Club. During the meeting, the Honorary Secretary’s and Honorary Treasurer’s reports were presented and approved by the house.

The MCA also felicitated Sanvert Kurkalang and Lakhan Singh, who recently announced their retirement from senior men’s cricket under the BCCI.

Several important resolutions were adopted to improve cricket in Meghalaya, focusing on player selection, grassroots tournaments, and infrastructure development. It was decided that players aspiring to represent Meghalaya must enter the system at the grassroots level, specifically in junior categories up to 19 years, through MCA inter-district tournaments or special coaching camps. Lateral entries into higher levels without progressing through lower categories of the state or BCCI domestic seasons will no longer be permitted. To further strengthen cricket at the grassroots, affiliated district units will be required to hold U-12 and U-14 tournaments starting in the 2025-26 season.

Eligibility criteria for representing Meghalaya were also defined. Players must either be born, permanent residents, or domiciles of the state. If not, their parents must meet these criteria. Additionally, BCCI guidelines for outstation players’ eligibility will be followed when necessary. The MCA introduced an age cap of 35 for players wishing to represent Meghalaya, which will take effect from the 2025-26 season. Players exceeding the age limit will be encouraged to transition to roles such as trainers or coaches to continue contributing to cricket in the state.

The MCA emphasized the need for district units to adopt robust systems for player selection and recommendation for state trials. Inter-district tournaments for junior boys and girls will be conducted immediately after the BCCI domestic season concludes. MCA grounds at Polo, Alotgre, and Nongkhrah will be utilized for these tournaments before the monsoon season.

In recognition of its contributions, the Eastern West Khasi Hills District Cricket Association will be granted permanent membership in the MCA from the 2025-26 season. Strict disciplinary measures were also announced for players engaging in anti-MCA or anti-BCCI activities, either through social media or other actions. A special committee, including the MCA Ethics Officer, will draft a comprehensive policy on player conduct.

The development of the Madan Kurkalang ground in Ri-Bhoi has been prioritized, with immediate plans for wall construction, ground leveling, and the installation of signage. The MCA will formulate a cricket development blueprint, focusing on grassroots growth and infrastructure enhancement. This plan will include short-term goals over three years and long-term objectives spanning five years.

To improve efficiency, each district has been provided with computers to document players and district activities, ensuring alignment with the BCCI’s athlete monitoring app. These measures collectively aim to elevate cricketing standards and ensure sustainable growth in Meghalaya.