The Sikkim Cricket Association (SICA) will host an inter-state under-23 women’s T20 cricket tournament from April 6 on the cricket ground in Rangpo.
The tournament is being organised under the aegis of the North East Cricket Development Council (NECDC).
According to SICA spokesperson Samir Nugo, this is the second consecutive year that SICA is hosting the flagship NECDC women’s tournament.
A total of six teams representing the NECDC associations of member states — Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Sikkim — will participate in the competition.
The teams have been divided into two groups of three.
The top two teams in each group will advance to the semi-finals, scheduled for April 9, while the final will be played on April 11.
The tournament will follow the T20 format, with two matches scheduled for 8.30am and 12.30pm each day. The final will be played under floodlights.
This year’s edition marks a significant transition from the earlier senior women’s format to an under-23 category. According to SICA sources, the shift is aimed at bridging the gap between junior and senior levels by providing young cricketers with a structured platform to gain competitive exposure and develop their skills.
“The shift to an under-23 format reflects NECDC’s commitment to addressing a critical gap in the cricketing pathway across the Northeast. Despite growing participation in women’s cricket, many promising players lack structured competitive exposure during the transition from junior to senior levels,” the association said.
The initiative is expected to provide match exposure to players on the cusp of senior-level cricket, create opportunities for those graduating from under-19 cricket,
ensure continuity in player development, and help selectors and coaches identify and nurture long-term talent, sources said.
Tika Subba, president of the SICA, welcomed the initiative, calling it a progressive and necessary step for the growth of women’s cricket in the region.
“It gives young cricketers a meaningful platform to compete, learn, and prepare for higher levels,” he said.