Neelam O.B. to Captain Arunachal Pradesh in Upcoming Ranji Trophy Matches

Itanagar, October 15 (Daily Kiran) : Arunachal Pradesh has named Neelam O.B. as captain for its upcoming Ranji Trophy matches following an administrative crisis within the Arunachal Pradesh Cricket Association (APCA). The state had to forfeit its first match due to these ongoing issues. A three-member selection panel appointed by the BCCI has finalized a 15-player squad, which includes Kamsha Yangfo as vice-captain and former Assam cricketer Sujay Tarfardar as head coach.

In addition to the Ranji Trophy team, the panel has also selected a 15-member Under-23 team for the Colonel C.K. Nayudu Trophy, with Lekhi Tsering as captain and Techi Tado as vice-captain. This selection comes at a time when the APCA is facing significant turmoil, including a legal dispute between two factions that has led to a case in the Guwahati High Court (Itanagar Bench). This controversy resulted in the state team missing their first match against Nagaland in Ahmedabad.

This marks the first time in 17 years that a team has had to forfeit a match in the Ranji Trophy. Furthermore, the state team has also been unable to participate in the Vinoo Mankad Trophy and the Under-19 Women’s T20 Trophy. In light of these challenges, the BCCI intervened to oversee the team selection process to safeguard the interests of the players for the current domestic season.

BCCI Secretary Devjeet Saikia announced the formation of an independent selection committee, led by former Assam cricketer Satya Gopal Chakraborty, to conduct player trials at Delhi Public School in Itanagar. This committee is responsible for selecting players for the Ranji Trophy, Under-23 Colonel C.K. Nayudu Trophy, Senior Women’s T20 Trophy, and the Vijay Merchant Trophy.

M.K. Khairul Jamal Majumdar, a member of the BCCI Apex Council, has been appointed as the coordinator for the trials and selection process. With the teams now established, Arunachal Pradesh aims to overcome the uncertainties off the field and focus on delivering strong performances throughout the remainder of the domestic season.

Arunachal Pradesh Teams:
Ranji Trophy: Neelam O.B. (Captain), Kamsha Yangfo (Vice-Captain), Nabam Kama, Licha Jhon, Mayendung Singpho, Techi Doriya, Biki Kumar, Mibom Mosu, Yorzum Sera, Yab Nia, Nabam Tempol, Techi Neri, Likha Sonia, Nabam Dol, Salil Malhotra (Guest Player).
Standby: Nabam Totu, Nabam Josh, Techi Saniya, Darge Bagra, Suhail Akhtar Ansari, Penjor Mangol, Techi Sonam, Akhilesh Sahani, Chandan K.R. Singh, Techi Tikli, Rakesh Kumar.

Under-23 Colonel C.K. Nayudu Trophy: Lekhi Tsering (Captain), Techi Tado (Vice-Captain), Aman Pisa, Takam Jacob, Amarjeet Sharma, Nabam Abo, Sosar Kakum, Rajesh Rebi, Techi Dol, Nabam India, Pasang Norbu, Shiv Kumar, Golo Aga, Loli Yangfo, Nini Mibang.
Standby: Gibson Cheda, Nabam Ram, Nabam Rikam, Nabam Jesh, Gemar Taipodia, Kabak Yakup, Yowa Topu, Nabam Rikam, Tsering Tashi, Chubing Chege.