Sikkim enters new cricketing era with inauguration of floodlights at Sikkim Cricket Ground
In a landmark development for cricket infrastructure in Sikkim, the Sikkim Cricket Ground in Mining has been equipped with state-of-the-art high-mast LED floodlights, making it capable of hosting day-night crickey matches for the first time in the State’s history.
The installation was formally inaugurated by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Sikkim, Shri Prem Singh Tamang, on the evening of May 18, 2025. Justice Biswanath Somadder, Chief Justice of the High Court of Sikkim, along with Cabinet Ministers, MLAs, Chief Administrator-cum-Cabinet Secretary, Chief Secretary and department heads were also present during the inauguration ceremony.
The Rs.12.2 crore project was fully funded by the Government of Sikkim and executed by Sikkim Cricket Association (SICA). Work commenced in December 2024 and was completed on April 18, 2025.
The lighting system features four 44-meter high masts, each fitted with 64 high-powered LED floodlights, totalling 256 lights. Each LED light has a capacity of 1.2 kW. The lights, supplied by Havells India Ltd., deliver an illumination level of 2800 lux at the pitch, well above the standard requirement of 2000–2200 lux, ensuring excellent visibility for players, officials and broadcast.
The infrastructure complies with standards prescribed for televised cricket. All LED fixtures come with a 5-year manufacturer’s warranty, ensuring long-term performance and reduced maintenance costs.
SICA extends its heartfelt gratitude to the Government of Sikkim and Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Prem Singh Tamang. This new infrastructure is not just an upgrade to our ground but a significant step toward elevating the standard of cricket in Sikkim. We are entering a new era with the ability to host day-night matches, which will undoubtedly enhance our cricketing culture and visibility.
This investment in the Sikkim Cricket Ground is an investment in the youth and future of cricket in the State. With floodlights now in place, we can host more matches, including night fixtures that were previously not possible. This opens the door to more national-level games and potentially even international events.
The Sikkim Cricket Ground is among the most scenic venues in the country and regularly hosts BCCI domestic matches, training camps and local tournaments under the aegis of SICA and BCCI.
At the Sikkim Cricket Association, we remain committed to continuously upgrading our facilities and enhancing the overall experience for players, coaches, officials and spectators. This often requires significant investment and support, and we are deeply appreciative of the State Government’s role in helping us achieve this milestone.
The newly installed floodlights are more than just infrastructure; they are a symbol of opportunity for local talent to shine under lights, for spectators to enjoy matches after work hours, and for Sikkim to emerge as a serious cricketing destination in the Northeast and beyond.
