NECDC interstate friendship tourney concludes

The 3rd edition of the North East Cricket Development Council (NECDC) Senior Men’s Interstate Friendship Tournament 2005 concluded on Thursday with Meghalaya emerging as the champion. The final match was played between Meghalaya and Nagaland.

The tournament held at Nagaland Cricket Association Stadium (NCAS), Sovima. Besides, Assam and Tripura, all other six northeastern states participated in the tournament.
Meghalaya won the toss and opted to bat first. It set a target of 230 with a loss of 7 wickets in 50 overs. While chasing the target, Nagaland crumbled early and failed to recover fully, getting bowled out for 120 runs in 34.3 overs.

The man of the match was awarded to Abishek Kumar from Meghalaya team; best batsmen and best wicket keeper was awarded to Arpit Bhatewara from Meghalaya team while the best bowler was awarded to Imliwati from Nagaland team. The player of the tournament was awarded to Jotin Sigh Pheiroijam from Manipur team.

Speaking at the event, Nagaland chief minister and NECDC convener, Dr. Neiphiu Rio, congratulated the winning team and praised Nagaland for winning twice before. He encouraged better performance in the future. He appreciated all participating states for their support towards NECDC.

Rio also congratulated the Nagaland Cricket Association for hosting the NECDC third friendship tournament 2025.

Recalling the difficult journey behind forming NECDC, he said it was marked by hardship, struggle, and humiliation, which made them stronger and more united.

Rio thanked BCCI for finally recognizing and affiliating them as per the court order. He emphasized the vision to provide equal opportunities for youth, like in other states. NECDC convenor affirmed their commitment to long-term vision.

Earlier, the chief minister inaugurated the NECDC office. In this regard, he thanked the member states for agreeing to establish the headquarters in the state, and hoped the friendship tournaments would foster growth and unity.

He encouraged youth to step up, get involved, and spread awareness about competitions starting from a young age. He praised the new office, noting its high standards and the role of BCCI in its development.

He expressed hope that some Northeast players would join the national team and compete internationally. Short speeches were delivered by NECDC co-convener and Meghalaya Cricket Association president, N. Bhattacharjee, Apex Council, BCCI, Member, M Khairul Jamal Majumdar and NECDC member secretary and Athletic Federation of India vice president, Abu Metha,

Other highlights of the programme included a citation read by Manipur Cricket Association secretary, Leishhangthem Ronel Singh, followed by a tournament report by Arunachal Cricket Association vice-president, Kabak Geda, special number by Vetholu Rhakho and Azi Rudy.

At the closing programme, the welcome address was proposed by Nagaland Cricket Association president, Kechangulie Rio and vote of thanks by Sikkim Cricket Association president, Tika Subba.