SICA closes 2024–25 season on a high note, celebrates cricket and community spirit

The Sikkim Cricket Association (SICA) has officially wrapped up its 2024–25 domestic cricket season with a deep sense of pride and reflection. In a heartfelt message, President Shri Tika Subba praised the collective effort that made this season not just a sporting success but a meaningful social journey.

Throughout the year, SICA organised a packed schedule of tournaments aimed at promoting cricket across all levels and age groups. From the top-tier Binod Pradhan Trophy to the A, B, C, and D Division Men’s Club tournaments, every event saw strong participation and a surge of local talent. The SICA Women’s Club Tournament, alongside youth tournaments like the Murray Cup (U-16 Boys) and the Kalu Ram Thirani Cup (U-19 Girls), also gained remarkable attention.

Further strengthening its regional presence, SICA sent teams to Guwahati to compete in the inaugural Under-14 Boys and Under-15 Girls tournaments involving eight North Eastern states; a new platform for young aspirants.

SICA’s journey this season went beyond just matches and scorecards. It embraced cricket’s potential for social impact. Exhibition matches featuring CM XI, Chief Secretary XI, and SICA XI reflected unity among governance and sport. In addition, charity matches held in collaboration with state departments raised much-needed support for underprivileged communities.

A major infrastructural milestone was the inauguration of modern floodlights at Sikkim’s cricket grounds. This landmark upgrade was made possible under the support and vision of Chief Minister Shri Prem Singh Tamang (Golay), who has consistently backed sports as a tool for youth empowerment.

The grand inauguration saw the presence of dignitaries like Hon’ble Chief Justice Shri Biswanath Somadder, Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the Assembly, cabinet ministers, MLAs, Chief Secretary Shri Ravindra Telang, Cabinet Secretary Shri V. B. Pathak, DGP Shri Akshay Sachdeva, and several district collectors; all showing their solidarity with SICA’s mission.

Another proud moment came with Sikkim hosting the 4th NECDC Achievers’ Nite, a prestigious event that spotlighted SICA’s growing leadership in North East cricket development.

The association also marked its 38th Foundation Day with a community-driven celebration at Sribadam in Soreng District. The event focused on SICA’s grassroots vision and saw active participation from students and local institutions, making it a celebration of not just cricket, but of shared community values.

President Subba extended heartfelt gratitude to several key individuals and institutions. These included Hon’ble Governor Shri Om Prakash Mathur, MLAs Shri Sanjit Kharel and Shri Erung Tenzing Lepcha, Shri Phurba Wangdi Bhutia of State Bank of Sikkim, SAP Commandant Smt. Linda Palmo Bhutia, and the Rangpo SDM and Power Department officials. Their support, he said, was vital to SICA’s operations.

Thanks were also extended to TCM Sports, media outlets, school principals, and police personnel who helped make events smooth and safe. Most importantly, President Subba acknowledged the dedication of executive members, district cricket bodies, and volunteers; the unseen hands behind each tournament.