Sikkim Cricket Association host first women's cricket tournament in the state

The inaugural edition of the Khangchendzonga Shield, a first of its kind T20 tournament organised by the Sikkim Cricket Association (SICA), got underway at the Sikkim Cricket Ground on Wednesday (November 11). The four-team event marks the first women's cricket tournament in the state.



“Historically, Sikkim has never had a cricket tournament solely dedicated to women,” SICA President Lobzang G. Tenzing was quoted as saying by The Telegraph. “This step will serve as a platform for young women to showcase their talent and encourage more participation in the sport in the future.”



Four teams - Mount Kabru, Mount Simvo, Mount Pandim and Mount Sinolchu - will face each other once in the tournament before the top two proceed to play in the final on November 21.



In the first match, Simvo scored 73 from their 20 overs and Kabru chased the target down with eight wickets in hand. In match two, Pandim beat Sinolchu by the same margin after restricting them to a score of 70.



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SICA conducted a three-day coaching camp ahead of the tournament headed by BCCI Level 3 high-performance coach Atul Gaikwad.



West Sikkim player Seema Gurung expressed her excitement at having the opportunity to train at a ground in her own state, adding that all the players enjoyed being part of the coaching camp.



“We really enjoyed the coaching by Atul Sir. Unlike in the past when we had to go outside the state for training, it was nice to train in our own home ground this time,” Seema said.







The cricket ground is the only cricket-dedicated venue in the state. Players previously often trained in football fields, while state teams had to travel out of the state - to places like Bhubaneshwar, Chennai or Vishakapatnam - to practice ahead of BCCI tournaments.



SICA allocated approximately Rs. 2 crores for the first phase development of the Sikkim Cricket Ground, including nine pitches, eight practice pitches, proper drainage system and fence. This initiative was aided by the BCCI.



“Nine pitches have also been set up in the middle of the ground and eight practice pitches along the sides. The ground has a proper drainage system and the entire playing arena has been fenced,” Roshan Gupta, SICA member, said.