In November 2000, the state of Chhattisgarh was formed and Raipur was made the capital city. Having branched off from Madhya Pradesh, the newly formed state worked keenly to forge its identity. Among other things, the state has been proactively working to carve their niche in the world of cricket as well. The diligent efforts of the Chhattisgarh State Cricket Sangh have opened avenues for youngsters to pursue the sport.
In 2016, CSCS was granted full member status by the Board of Control for Cricket in India by virtue of which they will participate in the seniors’ tournaments like the Ranji Trophy from the 2016-17 season.
Reflecting on the journey, Mr. Rajesh Dave, Secretary of Chhattisgarh State Cricket Sangh said, “In 2000, Chhattisgarh became a separate state. Till 2008, we didn’t get affiliation from the BCCI so in those years the standard of cricket and the enthusiasm was low. In 2008 we got associate membership, thanks to BCCI and from there on we had the challenge to uplift the standard of the game and take it to the highest level. We knew that within five years we have to make sure that we reach the level from where we can qualify to play in the Ranji Trophy and push our case to become a full member.
“It was a big challenge, so we planned accordingly and started conducting inter-district tournaments at various levels – U-14, U-16, U-19, U-23. We made sure that cricket activities go on round the year,” he added while speaking about the route they followed to achieve their goal.
“We tried and conducted camps and tournaments. We appointed coaches. We had hired the services of Tushar Arothe for two years. That way we had the vision that within five years, we have to reach that level from where one day we will play in the Ranji Trophy,” he elaborated.
“This was seen (taken into account) by the BCCI and were satisfied with the infrastructure also. They were satisfied with the functioning of Chhattisgarh State Cricket Sangh and thanks to BCCI President and Secretary showed confidence in us and gave us full membership. This has opened the gates for cricket in the state. Now, one can see a boy from Chhattisgarh play for India or in the Indian Premier League as well,” explained Mr. Dave.
In Amandeep Khare, the state watched one of their youngsters represent the country at the Under-19 level. The CSCS have been making continued and structured efforts to reach out to the youth across the length and breadth of the state. “We have system (for reaching out to youngsters) where we push district associations to conduct trials to make district teams which are invited for inter-district tournaments. We conduct camps at various levels at 14 and 16. We even go for reciprocal tours like going to Vidarbha or Jharkhand just before the Board matches for preparations. So we ensure that players get enough cricket before playing Board matches,” explained Mr. Dave.
“We conduct camps for at least one month and before the matches start. We also have a fitness camp for 90 days so we stress on the importance of fitness also,” he added.
“In some ways Chhattisgarh has been lucky. We have seven to eight stadiums in the state. There are more than few first-class venues. Having an international cricket stadium helps for various purposes. We conduct camps there which gives a different experience to the cricketers,” he mentioned while talking about incentive and motivation the facilities provide the youngsters in Chhattisgarh.
“Before getting the full member status there was a bit of a problem because players would wonder how long they would continue to play junior cricket. So we are lucky that we have been awarded full membership and now from this, cricket will see a different high,” he beams.
The Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Naya Raipur has been a host to IPL since 2013 and witnessed huge number of spectators’ folk to the stadium which is on the outskirts of the city. “When Chhattisgarh became a separate state, the government took the initiative to build a cricket stadium which is a very rare thing. We were lucky that they started building an international cricket stadium even though we did not have BCCI affiliation back then. And in 2008, it was inaugurated,” he mentions while speaking about the state-of-the-art facility.
Now as they look forward to taking the next step as a full member and compete in more tournaments, CSCS have their road map chalked out. “We had an inter-district tournament. The 30 senior players would be shortlisted for the forthcoming season. They will be part of a strict plan until October - fitness plan, skills, various camps, reciprocal tours etc (in preparation for the season). We will ensure that they play at least four-five major tournaments before the season starts and go through rigorous exercise and tours before going for the matches,” Mr. Dave, who was in the thick of the action during the IPL told BCCI.TV during the tournament.
“Personally, I find it very satisfying (that CSCS has been granted full member status). Because I have been a first-class cricketer, I know that players who are deprived of playing in the Ranji Trophy are depressed when they don’t get a chance (to play at that level). I am personally happy that we have been able to achieve this target through the good work of CSCS and my boys will be able to play in the Ranji Trophy that is the biggest satisfaction as far as CSCS is concerned. All the office bearers, district associations everyone have worked really hard. Now it is up to the boys to take advantage. I am sure that one day they will play for India and Chhattisgarh will see good times,” said Mr. Dave.
