Shillong, Oct 21: The Meghalaya Cricket Association (MCA) on Saturday held a send-off here for its team that will take part in the BCCI’s Men’s U-23 State A Trophy.

The BCCI has tweaked the format of this tournament this season; it was previously an U-25 event.

Speaking at the MCA Ground in Polo after a practice session, MCA President Naba Bhattacharjee reminded the players that they should have an eye on their cricketing future. “You are at a decisive time in your career as you are U-23s looking to make it into the senior team,” he said.

“There has been great competition for places in the squad and that is good to see. Now we will see how many of you are ready to take your place in the senior team. You are to become the torchbearers of our association. Be positive, give your best, you are all in top form and each milestone is a moment of pride for you,” he further said.

Crucial to the young cricketers’ development will be to understand which format of cricket suits them best. “Some of you will be good for white ball cricket, others red ball. All will want to play all formats and some will be able to but not all. You will also decide for yourselves which is the best for you and we are here to guide you,” Bhattacharjee added.

Meanwhile, MCA Honorary Secretary Gideon Kharkongor emphasised the need for discipline, saying that it is as important as skill and equally key to performance.

Others present for the send-off were Honorary Treasurer Dhrubajyoti Thakuria and Apex Council Member Peter Macdonald Kharsawian, as well as selectors and support staff.

Meghalaya will play six group games, all in Chandigarh, from October 28. The state’s opponents comprise Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Assam, Andhra Pradesh, Bengal and Railways, making it a highly competitive group.

The preparatory camp, which began on October 15, will conclude on October 24 and the team, minus the standbys, will depart for Chandigarh the following day.

Meghalaya squad: Abhishek Gupta, Nishanta Chakravarty, Manish Sharma, Md Asif Khan, PM Santhosh, Aaron A Nongrum, Badonnam J Mylliemngap, Joydeepan Deb, Sudhir Sahani, Kevin Sanjeev Christopher, Raghav Magotra, Agreas Chamcham A Sangma, Aryan Borah, Sachin Kumar, Appante Waldora A Sangma

Standbys: Mrinal Das, Wankitlang Nongpluh, Abhishek Kumar, Kush Agarwal

Support staff: Neetesh Sharma (head coach), Synrapsing Riatham (assistant coach), Skhembor Khongbtep (trainer), Emidao Dhar (physio), Wonderful Pakyntein (manager)

Meghalaya fixtures:
vs Uttar Pradesh, October 28
vs Rajasthan, October 30
vs Assam, November 1
vs Andhra Pradesh, November 5
vs Bengal, November 7
vs Railways, November 9

Read: Bowling bright spots not enough as Meghalaya lose to Chhattisgarh

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