The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Saturday assured all possible help to the Sikkim Cricket Association with resources and infrastructural support.
Notably, Sikkim has got the nod for playing in the Ranji Trophy and the association is making all out efforts to prepare a competitive team.
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Apart from Sikkim, the BCCI has also agreed to take care of all the expenses of five other cash-strapped north-eastern states – Mizoram, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh – that will enter the domestic fold of playing cricket this season.
BCCI had last month included the six north-eastern states along with Bihar, Puducherry, and Uttarakhand in Ranji Trophy and 13 other domestic tournaments.
The joy and expectations of Sikkim and the other north-eastern states knew no bounds after their inclusion in premier domestic tournaments.
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But at the same time, the cricket boards of all these six north-eastern states were battling issues like lack of infrastructure, coaching personnel, fund crunch and venues.
The assurance has come as a huge relief for the six new entrants from the Northeast.
Sources disclosed that the BCCI will be providing all the six north-eastern states with their accredited NCA coaches, physio-therapists and trainers for all age-group teams.
Normally, the BCCI units pay for their support staff but for the north-eastern states, the premiere body controlling cricket in India is taking this exceptional step.