Cricket

The under-construction international cricket stadium at Narsingarh in Tripura is poised to become a potential second home ground for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. This development comes as the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata undergoes a significant makeover next year.The Narsingarh stadium project, initiated in 2017 with an estimated cost of Rs. 185 crore, has faced delays in its completion. However, recent developments have reignited hopes of hosting IPL matches at the venue.Tripura Cricket Association (TCA) secretary Subarta Dey revealed that IPL chairman Arun Kumar Dhumal visited the proposed stadium and expressed optimism about its potential as a second home ground for KKR. The stadium's readiness by February 2025 is crucial for this possibility.To expedite the construction process, the TCA has engaged a reputed construction agency. The agency has completed 80% of the work in the past seven years, despite the initial deadline being only 22 months.The TCA is closely monitoring the progress and has threatened to terminate the agency's contract if it fails to meet the revised deadline. The association is determined to complete the stadium by February 2025 to secure the opportunity to host IPL matches."If we could complete the stadium's work by February next year, I am confident of hosting at least two IPL matches of KKR at Narsingarh international cricket stadium," said Dey.The prospect of hosting IPL matches in Tripura has generated excitement among cricket enthusiasts in the state. The Narsingarh stadium, with its modern facilities and seating capacity of over 50,000, would provide a world-class venue for the tournament.

Wriddhiman Saha, the veteran Indian wicketkeeper-batter, has made a triumphant return to the West Bengal cricket team after a two-year stint with Tripura. Saha, who originally played for Bengal from 2007 to 2022, rejoined the team with aspirations of leading them to victory in major domestic tournaments.Saha's departure from Bengal in 2022 was prompted by a public fallout with a Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) official, who accused him of fabricating excuses to skip Ranji Trophy matches. This dispute led Saha to obtain a no-objection certificate (NOC) to play for Tripura."After playing for almost 15 years with the West Bengal cricket team, I played for the Tripura cricket team for two years. Now I have returned to play for the West Bengal cricket team... As a wicket-keeper batsman, I will try my best to help the team win major tournaments," Saha told ANI.Saha's return to Bengal is seen as a significant boost to the team's prospects in the upcoming domestic season. His experience and leadership will be invaluable assets to the team, which is aiming to win its first Ranji Trophy title since 1990.CAB president Snehasish Ganguly welcomed Saha's return, praising his impressive record of 40 Tests for India. "When Saha is there, he always gives his 200 percent. We are very focused on domestic cricket. We have a very good side this time," Ganguly said.Saha last played for India in 2021, scoring 1,353 runs in 40 Tests, which includes three centuries and six fifties. He has also represented India in five ODIs.Saha's return to Bengal is a testament to his unwavering commitment to the game and his desire to contribute to the success of his home state. His experience and leadership will be crucial as Bengal looks to challenge for domestic supremacy in the upcoming season.

Two former Tripura Ranji players, Milind Kumar and Harmeet Singh, have been selected to represent the United States in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024. This remarkable achievement marks a significant milestone for the Tripura Cricket Association and highlights the growing global presence of Indian cricketers.Milind Kumar, a prolific batsman, amassed 1331 runs in the 2018-19 Ranji Trophy season before relocating to the USA in pursuit of greater opportunities. Harmeet Singh, a talented all-rounder, played a pivotal role in India's victorious 2012 Under-19 World Cup campaign. Both players have since established themselves as key members of the USA's T20I team.Jayanta Dey, Joint Secretary of the Tripura Cricket Association, expressed his pride in the players' accomplishments. He noted that all three players, including Tanmay Mishra who will represent Kenya, have made significant contributions to Tripura's domestic cricket.Mishra, who holds dual citizenship of Kenya and India, played for the Tripura Ranji team in 2019-20. His father's Indian heritage and mother's Kenyan background have afforded him the unique opportunity to represent both nations.The Tripura Cricket Association has extended its heartfelt congratulations to the players, wishing them success in the upcoming T20 World Cup. The tournament, which will be held in the USA and West Indies from June 1 to 29, will feature 20 teams competing for the coveted title.The USA's squad for the T20 World Cup includes:* Monank Patel (c)* Aaron Jones* Andries Gous* Corey Anderson* Ali Khan* Harmeet Singh* Jessy Singh* Milind Kumar* Nisarg Patel* Nitish Kumar* Noshtush Kenjige* Saurabh Nethralvakar* Shadley Van Schalkwyk* Steven Taylor* Shayan JahangirReserve Players:* Gajanand Singh* Juanoy Drysdale* Yasir Mohammad