Cricket in North East India: A Conversation with Nababrata Bhattacharjee

The cricketing landscape in North East India is a narrative of passion, perseverance, and remarkable strides, embodied by individuals like Nababrata Bhattacharjee. As the president of the Meghalaya Cricket Association and now the manager for the Indian Women’s Senior Cricket Team for their Australia tour, Bhattacharjee's journey reflects the growing prominence of North East India in the cricketing world.

The North East Cricket Story

For decades, cricket in the North East was often overshadowed by football, which dominated the region's sporting culture. However, the inclusion of North Eastern states in the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in 2018 marked a turning point. Bhattacharjee was instrumental in this historic achievement, leading efforts to secure full BCCI membership for Meghalaya and other North Eastern states. This development opened doors for resources, training, and competitive opportunities, giving local talent a platform to shine.

Bhattacharjee’s Contributions

Bhattacharjee’s impact extends beyond administrative accomplishments. With over 15 years of dedication, he played a pivotal role in the BCCI's New Area Development Programme (NADP), ensuring cricket's reach expanded to remote Indigenous communities. His work alongside cricket stalwarts like Sourav Ganguly and Jay Shah also contributed to implementing key reforms in Indian cricket governance.

Managerial Role for the Australia Series

In a significant career milestone, Bhattacharjee has been appointed the manager of the Indian Women’s team for their three-match ODI series in Australia. This series, part of the ICC Women’s Championship, will feature matches in Brisbane and Perth, with Indian stars like Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana leading the charge. Bhattacharjee sees this role as not just a personal honour but a reflection of Meghalaya's growing stature in Indian cricket. "This is a recognition for my state and its cricket enthusiasts," he remarked, emphasizing his commitment to youth development across the region​

Challenges and Aspirations for North East Cricket

While cricket in the North East has made significant progress, challenges remain. Infrastructure, limited coaching facilities, and a lack of exposure to high-level competition have historically hindered growth. Bhattacharjee’s leadership has been crucial in addressing these gaps. Initiatives like inter-district tournaments and grassroots programs aim to nurture talent and foster a cricketing culture across the region.

Bhattacharjee also highlights the potential of women’s cricket in the North East. The success of the Indian Women’s team on international platforms serves as an inspiration, encouraging young girls to take up the sport. With more exposure and investment, the region can produce future stars for India.

Cricket and Identity

Cricket in the North East is more than just a sport; it’s a means of cultural expression and unity. For communities often underrepresented on national platforms, cricket offers a chance to tell their stories and assert their identity. Bhattacharjee’s efforts exemplify this ethos, as he works tirelessly to integrate the North East into the mainstream cricketing fold.

The Road Ahead

As Bhattacharjee embarks on his journey with the Indian Women’s team in Australia, his vision for cricket in the North East remains steadfast. He envisions a future where every district has access to quality infrastructure, where young players from Meghalaya and neighboring states represent India on the global stage.

This episode of The Podcast with Amit Baruah highlights not just the strides of an individual but the collective aspirations of a region. Cricket in North East India is on the rise, and with leaders like Bhattacharjee at the helm, its future looks promising.