Guwahati, Assam – The air crackled with youthful energy as the first-ever North East Little Masters Trophy 2025 commenced with a vibrant opening ceremony in Guwahati on April 18, 2025, setting the stage for a thrilling under-14 cricket showdown. Among the eager participants is Sikkim’s talented young cricket team, poised to make their mark on this prestigious regional platform.
Organized by the Assam Cricket Association, this landmark tournament offers a golden opportunity for Sikkim’s budding cricketers to test their skills against formidable opponents from seven other North Eastern states. The 40-over competition places Sikkim in Group B, where they will battle it out against Tripura, Manipur, and Nagaland for a coveted spot in the later stages of the tournament. This exposure promises to be invaluable for the young players from Sikkim, fostering their development, enhancing their abilities, and instilling the spirit of healthy competition.
The grand inauguration at the Assam Cricket Association Stadium witnessed the presence of prominent figures in the cricketing world, underscoring the significance of this initiative. Notably, the Secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Devajit Saikia, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. He was accompanied by M.K.J. Majumdar, a distinguished Member of the BCCI Apex Council who served as the Guest of Honour, alongside key members of the ACA including Secretary Tridib Konwar, Tournament Director Romen Dutta, Vice President Rajdeep Oja, and Treasurer Chiranjit Langthasa. Representatives from various North Eastern State Cricket Associations and District Sports Associations also attended the event, highlighting the collective enthusiasm for promoting grassroots cricket in the region.
This inaugural edition of the NE Little Masters Trophy has ignited considerable excitement, not only for the anticipated competitive clashes but also for its pivotal role in nurturing cricket at the foundational level across the North East. The tournament is structured with eight teams representing each of the North Eastern states, divided into two groups. Group A comprises Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, and Mizoram, while Group B features Tripura, Sikkim, Manipur, and Nagaland. The matches will unfold across two venues in Guwahati, culminating in a highly anticipated final showdown scheduled for April 30, 2025, at the ACA Cricket Academy Ground in Amingaon, North Guwahati.
In his address during the opening ceremony, BCCI Honorary Secretary Devajit Saikia conveyed his deep satisfaction with the initiative, extending his congratulations to the North Eastern cricket associations for their collaborative effort in bringing this significant event to fruition. He emphasized the crucial role of tournaments like the NE Little Masters Trophy in identifying and nurturing young cricketing prospects, providing them with the essential exposure for their continued development. He also conveyed his best wishes for success to all the participating teams.
Echoing this sentiment, BCCI Apex Council Member M.K.J. Majumdar emphasized the vital role of such tournaments in shaping the future landscape of cricket in the Northeast. He stated unequivocally, “This tournament represents a crucial step in fostering cricketing talent in the region.”
The visionary force behind the tournament was further highlighted by ACA Secretary Tridib Konwar, who articulated, “The NE Little Masters Trophy is a visionary step towards strengthening the grassroots cricketing structure in the region. We believe that this platform will not only help in discovering young talent from the Northeast but also provide them with the right exposure to grow and excel in the sport.” With the stage set and the teams ready, all eyes are now on the young cricketers, including the determined squad from Sikkim, as they embark on their journey in the inaugural North East Little Masters Trophy.
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