Imphal, May 11: Compared to Sikkim, Manipur is better off in terms of enthusiasm for cricket, said BCCI deputed observer Arindam Ganguly at a news conference at Hotel Imphal this evening.

“Manipur has the potential to master the sport,” said Ganguly, who is also secretary of Tripura Cricket Association.

Ganguly was specially asked by the board to look into the office affairs of the Manipur Cricket Association and assess the facilities available and steps necessary to develop cricket in Manipur.

He said the people of the state had a natural gift for sports and would definitely shine in cricket too. “As far as the development of the game is concerned, I will take it up with the BCCI. The BCCI has asked me to submit the report by May 15. Today, we have visited three grounds in Luwangsangbam, Khuman Lampak and the Thangmeiband Athletics Union ground. There seems to be a lot of scope at Luwangsangbam ground,” he said.

Torrential rain prevented Ganguly and association officials from visiting the grounds at Chaobok in Thoubal district and the Regional Institute of Medical Science.

Ganguly is likely to visit the RIMS ground before he leaves tomorrow.

Dodging a direct reply to the present status of Manipur cricket and undue delay in granting full membership for the last nine years, Ganguly assured that he would place the matter before the BCCI.

He said this was an opportunity to make a good beginning.