Tripura CM Dr. Manik Saha announced that the state’s first international cricket stadium at Narsingarh will be completed by December 2025. Speaking in Kamalpur, he called for ending politics in sports and urged a focus on merit-based player selection to uplift Tripura’s cricket talent and infrastructure.
Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha on Saturday announced that the construction work of the state’s first-ever international cricket stadium at Narsingarh is expected to be completed by December 2025. He made this significant announcement while inaugurating the K.C. Girls’ School Cricket Ground in Kamalpur and flagging off a celebrity T10 exhibition match between the Tripura Cricket Association (TCA) and the Bengal Tigers.
Dr. Saha, who was once the president of the TCA, described the occasion as a historic milestone for the people of Kamalpur and Tripura’s sporting community. “This is truly a happy day. History is being made here. When I was the TCA president, I noticed irregularities in the construction of the stadium around 2017. It was unplanned. I had to intervene and pressurize those responsible to correct the course. Today, it’s the result of continuous effort by the present TCA committee that we’re seeing tangible progress,” he said.
End Politics in Sports, Promote Talent: CM
In a bold statement, Dr. Saha emphasized the need to keep sports free from political interference. “There had been a lot of politics in Tripura’s cricket. Talented players were sidelined while politically connected individuals made it to platforms like Ranji Trophy. This was a regular practice under the previous government, where favoritism ruled over merit,” he stated, directly criticizing the former CPIM government.
Dr. Saha asserted that his government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aims to build a transparent and merit-based sports system. “There should be no politics with players. We must respect talent and give chances based on merit, not party allegiance,” he added. He credited the current TCA leadership for working toward this vision and ensuring fairness in team selections.
Stadium to Host International Matches Soon
Speaking about the ongoing development of the international stadium at Narsingarh, the Chief Minister revealed that the construction is in its final phase and should conclude by December. He hinted that international-level matches and players could soon be seen in Tripura, a major leap forward for sports infrastructure in the northeastern state.
“During a recent event at the MBB Stadium, I was told that the international cricket stadium would be ready by December. Once operational, it will bring international matches and players to our state, opening up huge opportunities for local talent,” Dr. Saha said.
More Grounds Across Tripura
The CM also mentioned that the state government is planning to construct similar cricket grounds across Tripura to nurture young talent. “We do not lack talent, but without practice, it means little. We will provide facilities to encourage training, especially in rural areas,” he said.
Attendees and Dignitaries
The event at K.C. Girls’ School was attended by several dignitaries, including Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Tinku Roy, MLA Manoj Kanti Deb, Upananda Debbarma, TCA Vice President Subrata Dey, TCA Secretary Tapan Lodh, along with senior district administration officials including the District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police.
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The day concluded with the celebrity T10 cricket match, further symbolizing the rising passion for cricket in the state.
