Sikkim Cricket Association Foundation Day Celebration
It was a day worth remembering for Sikkim Cricket fraternity as on May 8, 2023, Sikkim Cricket Association celebrated 36th Foundation Day at Amba Cricket Academy in Pakyong district.
The programme was organised in collaboration with Pakyong District Cricket Committee and Amba Cricket Academy.
The programme was attended by Mr. Bishnu Kumar Khatiwada, Area MLA, Rhenock Constituency, as the chief guest and Mrs. Prabha Pradhan Chettri, Zilla Upadakshya, Pakyong, as the special guest. Smt Anjali Chettri, Panchayat President, Amba GPU, Mr. SP Bhutia, ACF, Forest department, and other notable personalities were also present.
Recognising and celebrating those who give so much to the game of cricket, to see it thrive in their local area, Sikkim Cricket Association decided to celebrate the Foundation Day at Amba village where a cricket academy run by two of the players has been offering young cricketers from the area a pathway into the sport.
Amba Cricket Academy was set up by cricketers Kiran Regmi and Gyalpo Sherpa in 2020 to help teach cricket to the children in their village.
However, with limited resources, there’s only so much that they can do. The infrastructure is minimal – and the academy is operating on a leased property.
On the occasion, the SICA raised money for Amba Cricket Academy. At least Rs. 1.36 lakh was contributed by SICA players.
SICA is committed to supporting and fostering that talent as we embark on our next phase of growth.
In his foundation day address, Mr. Tika Subba, President, SICA, shared SICA’s vision for the development of the game. He also made a few important announcements.
He said Sikkim Cricket Association has been continuously working on developing cricket in the State. He appreciated Kiran and Gyalpo for using their experience to offer youngsters a cricket education.
Mr. Bishnu Kumar Khatiwada appreciated SICA for hold the foundation day celebrations at Amba and providing the academy with the help that they need. He also praised the work done in his local area by Kiran and Gyalpo through the academy and assured government assistance for some infrastructural works of the academy.
It was the day to remember, cherish and recognise the achievers and contributors.
On the occasion, Sikkim Cricket Association celebrated the stand-out performers from the past season of domestic cricket. The chief guest along with other dignitaries presented the following awards:
SICA Player of the Season
Palzor Tamang is the winner of this coveted award. The medium pacer was in an unreal form in the longer format of the game last season, picking 31 wickets in six Ranji matches. With three five-wicket hauls and three four-fers, Palzor finished as one of the highest wicket-takers in India. His bowling average was among the best and he was within the top-five of bowling charts along with elite Indian cricketers in the league stage. He also scored a First Class century, becoming only the third Sikkimese player to achieve the feat.
SICA All-Rounder of the Season
Sumit Singh, who along with Palzor, spearheaded Sikkim’s bowling attack, hit most runs by any Sikkim players in the season. In Ranji, he scored 599 runs at an average of 59.9 and ridiculous trike rate of 89. Sumit scored two hundreds in consecutive matches that followed after missing out in his maiden ton by one run. With the ball, the medium pacer took 28 wickets, including two six-wicket hauls.
SICA Emerging Player of the Season (Men’s Category)
Parvin Kuikel, a leg-spinner, had a good showing in Under-16 competitions.
SICA Emerging Player of the Season (Women’s Category)
Under-19 women’s bowler Leezamit Lepcha demonstrated her skill and potential in both BCCI and SICA tournaments this season.
SICA Talented Cricketer (Men’s Category)
Denree Lepcha (Under-16) is another talented cricketer. The left-handed batsman and wicketkeeper along with Parvin Kuikel earned a maiden First Class call-up last season.
SICA Talented Cricketer (Women’s Category)
Sonia Rai, a Yuksom Capitals player, is the only awardee not to have played in BCCI domestic competitions. She was chosen for this honour for her outstanding performance in the recently-concluded SICA Women’s Club Tournament where she finished as the highest wicket taker.
SICA also honoured different individuals, acknowledging their selfless contribution to Sikkim Cricket and SICA since its inception in 1987.
They were: Mr. Kenneth Brian Cashmore, Sikkim Hermonites, Mr. Kalu Ram Thirani’s family, Mr. Thupten Rapgyal Bhutia, Mr. Parmatma Singh and Mr. VB Pathak (Chief Secretary, Government of Sikkim).
The event also saw Amba Cricket Academy felicitate Mr. Tashi Chophel, District Collector, Pakyong; Sikkim Cricket Association; Mr. Sonam Palden Bhutia, Senior Coach, SICA; and Mr. Jagat Prasad Regmi who has let out his land to the academy on a minimal rate.
SICA had also organised fun games and contests for kids from the local schools. The winners were presented with cricket bats and other accessories. One lucky draw winner got a cricket kit set worth Rs. 20,000.
