One of the biggest extravaganzas of the Garo Hills region, the annual day/night cricket tournament got off to a rousing start today, at the Police Parade ground in Tura.
The more than two week tournament will see 92 teams vying to win Rs 3 lakh that will go to the eventual winners. The final will be played on Jan 30.
The tournament today was kicked off by the chairman of the GHADC, Rakesh Sangma, who himself has been a cricket aficionado and played active cricket till about a few years ago.
Named the ‘CM’s Day/Night Cup,’ the event is being organized by the Amra Sobai Club in collaboration with the state’s chief minister, Conrad Sangma, who is also the MLA of South Tura, one of the two constituencies in the town.
Matches will be played on a knockout basis and will see about 6-7 matches being played on a daily basis. The final will be held on Jan 30 with the Chief Minister, Conrad Sangma, expected to grace the occasion. It will also be a part of the 50 years of statehood celebrations.
The opening saw the presence of the Chairman of the GHADC, Rakesh Sangma as the chief guest along with Nathual Marak, Linekar Sangma and Arbinstone Sangma. Rakesh declared the tournament open. The first match was an exhibition played between Tura Legends and TP Prince X to kick start proceedings.
A total of nine players will take part in a match that will be of 10 overs each side. Teams coming from outside the state are expected to be completely vaccinated and have a negative RT-PCR report prior to starting. The organizers affirmed that COVID protocols will be fully maintained during the tournament.
Further, while the tournament winners will take home Rs 3 lakh, the runners up would pocket a cool Rs 1 lakh. The player of the series will earn Rs 20000 and the player of the final, Rs 10000.
“This is the 21st year of the tournament and barring a few years when the tournament was not held. We are extremely grateful to the CM for making the tournament this year a huge one. This is the biggest sporting bonanza for all of us,” said Sushanto Biswas, one of the organizers.
“This tournament is a part of the 50th year of statehood celebrations and I am extremely grateful to the CM for his contribution. I feel privileged to be a part of the tourney and wish it extreme success,” said chairman, Rakesh Sangma.
