Chitrak Mitra

Imphal, June 4: BCCI vice-president Chitrak Mitra, who is on a two-day visit to assess the infrastructure and requirement for promotion of cricket in the state, said top-level coaches are the need of the hour.

He also stressed the need for a much-needed breakthrough in unearthing young talent in the state.

Speaking to mediapersons here, Mitra said the Manipur Cricket Association has made valiant efforts to promote the game in the state.

However, the desired effect is still missing.

To ensure that cricket prevails in the state, there is a need to engage top level coaches not only in Manipur but the Northeast as a whole.

Mitra added that he would definitely highlight the matter in his report.

The report will be submitted to the BCCI by next week.

“Theoretical coaching is okay but there is a pressing need for practical coaching as well if the state wants to be considered a force to be reckoned with in the under-16, under-19 and under-22 levels. Winning is also important,” Mitra said.

He added that since the formation of the New Areas Development Committee in 2003 for the development of cricket, the committee members have been visiting various places in the Northeast, including Manipur, Meghalaya and Sikkim.

“We have been helping them with grants,” he said.

Regarding the cricket pitch at Luwangpokpa, Mitra said the ground looked good.

However, there was much room for improvement in infrastructure, particularly in the dressing rooms and pavilion if it has to be considered for an ODI. He also met umpires, coaches and cricket team members and took note of their pleas for refresher courses and clinics.

He refused to comment on financial matters but said Manipur and Sikkim had received subsidy of Rs 50 lakh each, while Meghalaya had received two subsidies amounting to Rs 1 crore.

He would highlight the matter before the BCCI authorities.

Manipur Cricket Association secretary H. Biramangol Singh said he was very optimistic about the BCCI vice-president’s visit.

Earlier, Mitra, along with MCA officials, visited Luwangpokpa cricket ground, another developing ground at Thoubal and the Khuman Lampak practice field as well.