38th Foundation Day celebrated at Sribadam

The Sikkim Cricket Association (SICA) celebrated its 38th Foundation Day on May 8, 2025, at Sribadam in Soreng district. The event, themed “Lets Grow Together” was organized in collaboration with Soreng District Cricket Committee.

The celebration involved presentation of awards to meritorious players (see the list below), felicitations. Fun games and contests were also organised for kids with winners receiving prizes and cricket kits. Likewise, two lucky draw winners received cricket gears worth Rs. 20,000 each.

The event was graced by Shri Sanjeet Kharel, MLA, Namthang Rateypani as the Chief Guest, Shri Erung Tenzing Lepcha, MLA, Rinchenpong as the Guest of Honour and Shri Phurba Wangdi Bhutia, MD, State Bank of Sikkim, as the Special Guest.

Also present were Tilu Devi Gurung, Zilla Adhakshya, Soreng; Zilla and Gram panchayats; Dhiraj Subedi, DC, Soreng; DR Bista, ADC, Soreng; Nakul Pradhan, SP, Soreng; representatives of Badminton Association of Soreng, Olympic Association of Soreng, Athletics Association of Soreng; officers from different departments, members of SICA and principals, teachers and students from local schools.

Chief Guest Shri Sanjeet Kharel congratulated Sikkim Cricket Association (SICA) on the 38th Foundation Day and lauded its sustained efforts in developing cricket in the state since its inception. He expressed happiness over the significant turnout of children at the event, noting it as a strong indication of the growing passion for cricket in Sikkim.

“There is a visible craze for cricket among the youth here, and that is a very positive sign. With this kind of enthusiasm, I believe many talented cricketers will emerge from Sikkim in the years to come,” he said.

Shri Kharel appreciated SICA’s initiative to organize the Foundation Day in different corners of the state instead of limiting it to a single venue. “SICA could have chosen to celebrate this day at its base at Mining on a smaller scale. But instead, they are taking the game to different corners of the state, making cricket more accessible,” he stated.

Encouraging youth to consider sports as a viable career, he said, “Today’s IPL players and members of Team India are earning well. With the right support and commitment, our youth too can achieve great heights in cricket.”

SICA President Shri Tika Subba expressed his gratitude to all stakeholders for their support in the development of cricket in Sikkim. He also acknowledged the strong backing from the Chief Minister State government. 

Highlighting recent developments, he said, “We thank the State government for providing 25 acres of land and installing floodlights at the Sikkim Cricket Ground at Mining, which will be inaugurated soon. This will significantly boost the game of cricket in Sikkim.”

Shri Subba also shared about upcoming initiatives including Sikkim Premier League, a T20 cricket tournament. He informed the gathering about the SICA’s residential cricket academy, which currently benefits around 50 students and SICA plans to expand to accommodate 100 with new infrastructure.

The President stressed the importance of player performance. “We are doing our part as an association, building infrastructure, creating platforms and providing facilities. But it is equally important for players to rise to the occasion and deliver results.”

Shri Subba made a special mention of Sikkim Senior Men’s Team’s historic victory against Rajasthan in Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024. “It showed that we can beat giants like Rajasthan and stand tall on the national stage,” he said, congratulating all the members of the team for the achievement.

Shri Subba explained the rationale behind hosting Foundation Day celebrations across different districts. “This is our way of taking cricket to the grassroots, making sure the sport reaches every corner of the state.”

He highlighted the association’s efforts in decentralizing responsibilities to district cricket associations to expand the reach of the sport. 

He also assured coaching and technical support to the interested schools in Soreng, including the deployment of coaches and organization of cricket camps. He also committed to construct concrete pitches in different schools, subject to feasibility.

He concluded by encouraging children to see cricket not just as a game but as a potential career path.

Earlier in the morning, an exhibition match was played between SICA XI and DC XI. The DC XI, led by Soreng District Collector Shri Dhiraj Subedi, won the match by eight wickets. 

AWARDS

1. Player of the Season: ANKUR MALIK, Senior Men’s Team

2. Emerging Player of the Season: ANUJ CHHETRI, U-16 Boys’ Team

3. Best Male Cricketer (Senior Category): ANKUR MALIK, Senior Men’s Team

4. Best Female Cricketer (Senior Category): LEEZAMIT LEPCHA, Senior Women’s Team

5. Best Male Cricketer (Junior Category): ADNAN ALAM, U-19 men’s Team

6. Best Female Cricketer (Junior Category): KUSHI KUIKEL, U-15 Girls’ Team

7. Vinod Pradhan Award for Best U-23 Men’s Player: TARUN SHARMA

8. Namgyal Wangdi Award for Best U-23 Women’s Player: NANDIKA KUMARI

9. Dhiraj Gurung Award for Best U-19 Men’s Player: ADNAN ALAM

10. Karma Sangay Bhutia Award for Best U-19 Women’s Player: AKRITI SHARMA

11. Karma Thendup Bhutia Award for Best Boys’ U-16 Player: MD SAZID ALI

12. Topden Lepcha Award for Best Girls’ U-15 Player: JASMIN CHETTRI

The top performers in SICA-organised competitions during 2024 were also honoured. They were:

Vinod Pradhan Trophy

1. MD EMAMUDDIN, Irises Cricket Club: Player of the Tournament.

2. NILESH LAMICHANEY, Alpine Sporting Club: Highest Scorer

3. LEE YONG LEPCHA, Cricket Association of Tathangchen: Highest Wicket-Taker

A Division Men’s Tournament

1. LEE YONG LEPCHA, Cricket Association of Tathangchen: Highest Wicket-Taker

B Division Men’s Tournament

1. HARI PRASAD ACHARYA, Dentam Cricket Academy: Player of the Tournament

2. INZA MAMUL HAQ, Royal North Brothers: Highest Run Scorer

3. MD AADIAL ALAM, Yuksom Capitals: Highest Wicket-Taker

C Division Men’s Tournament

1. SAILESH TAMANG, Sunrisers Cricket Club: Player of the Tournament

2. SAILESH TAMANG, Sunrisers Cricket Club: Highest Scorer

4. RESHI RAI, Legship Cricket Club: Highest Wicket-Taker

Women’s Club Tournament

1. SAMAYITA ROY PRODHAN, Alpine Sporting Club: Player of the Tournament

2. SAMAYITA ROY PRODHAN, Alpine Sporting Club: Highest Scorer

3. RABIKA CHETTRI, Cricket Association of Tathangchen: Highest Wicket-Taker

Felicitations:

1. Shri Sanjeet Kharel, Advisor, Power Department, GoS

2. Shri Phurba Wangdi Bhutia, Managing Director, State Bank of Sikkim

3. Shri Karma Thendup Bhutia (posthumously)

4. Shri Karma Sangay Bhutia (posthumously)

5. Amba Cricket Academy

Lifetime Achievement Award:

1. Shri L.M. Khawas, former Member, SICA

2. Shri Sherap Dorjee Bhutia, former Joint Secretary, SICA

3. Shri Gopal Sharma, Joint Secretary, SICA

Letters of Appreciation:

1. Shri Anjan Khanal, BCCI scorer

2. Shri Diwakar Sewa, BCCI scorer

3. Members of Sikkim team that recorded a historic win against Rajasthan in Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024/25