Gangtok, March 7: The Sikkim Cricket Association (SCA) is banking on Twenty20 — the newest and shortest form of the game — as it tries to build a state team.

Sports and youth affairs minister P.S. Tamang, who is also the president of the SCA, today said a month-long Twenty20 cricket championship would be held at Paljor Stadium from March 18. “It will boost the development of the game in the state,” he said.

Around 40 clubs, including 33 from the state, will take part in the tournament. The winners stand to gain Rs 1 lakh along with a trophy, while the runners-up will get Rs. 50,000.

The SCA will also organise an inter-school cricket tournament later this year as it scouts for local talent.

Women’s cricket is not going to be ignored either. Seventeen girls from across the state have already been identified for further coaching and they are now staying in the quarters of the SCA-managed Mining Ground located 30km from here.