Tripura allocates 30 acres at Sekerkot for cricket academy, CM Manik Saha says
Synopsis
Tripura CM Manik Saha has earmarked 30 acres at Sekerkot for a cricket academy designed to serve the entire Northeast — not just the state. With an international stadium also nearing completion, Tripura is making a calculated bid to become the region's cricketing nerve centre.
Key Takeaways
Tripura CM Manik Saha announced 30 acres of land allocated at Sekerkot, West Tripura , for a state-of-the-art cricket academy.
The academy is intended to serve cricketers from across the northeastern region , not just Tripura.
An international cricket stadium in Tripura is reportedly nearing completion , with national and international matches expected soon.
Grassroots practice grounds are being developed in Kailashahar , Belonia , and Jirania .
Mani Shankar Murasingh was honoured for becoming the first Tripura cricketer to play 100 Ranji Trophy matches .
First-class cricketer Abhijit Sarkar was felicitated for his performance in the Duleep Trophy 2026-27 .
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Sunday, 20 September 2026, announced that the state government has allocated 30 acres of land at Sekerkot in West Tripura District to establish a state-of-the-art cricket academy. Saha made the announcement while addressing the Annual Award Distribution Ceremony-2026 organised by the Tripura Cricket Association (TCA) at Rabindra Bhavan in Agartala.
A Regional Training Hub for the Northeast
The Chief Minister emphasised that the proposed academy at Sekerkot is envisioned not merely as a facility for Tripura cricketers, but as a major training centre for the entire northeastern region. 'In the coming days, players from other states of the Northeast will also get the opportunity to train at this academy,' Saha said. He added that the construction of a long-awaited international cricket stadium is also nearing completion, with national and international-level matches expected to be hosted there in the near future.
Grassroots Infrastructure Getting a Boost
Beyond the marquee Sekerkot project, the Chief Minister noted that improved practice grounds are being developed in Kailashahar, Belonia, and Jirania to take cricket to rural communities. Saha stressed that developing grassroots infrastructure is central to the state's broader sports policy and that the government will continue to extend legal and administrative support to the TCA.
TCA-BCCI Partnership Bearing Fruit
Saha, who previously served as President of the TCA, credited the joint efforts of the TCA and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for enabling Tripura players to showcase their talent at the national level. He singled out Mani Shankar Murasingh for becoming the first cricketer from the state to play 100 Ranji Trophy matches — a milestone he described as a 'unique example.' He also acknowledged the consistent performances of cricketer Sridam Pal and recognised the contributions of guest players Hanuma Vihari and Vijay Shankar.
Honours and Recognition at the Ceremony
During the event, Saha felicitated first-class cricketer Abhijit Sarkar for his special achievement in the Duleep Trophy 2026-27. Sports Minister Tinku Roy, TCA President Tapan Lodh, TCA Secretary Subrata Dey, and other senior officials were also present. The Chief Minister concluded by observing that cricket holds a unique power to unite people across divisions of religion, caste, and language.
With the Sekerkot academy set to cater to the entire Northeast and an international stadium on the verge of completion, Tripura's cricketing ambitions are entering a new and more competitive phase.
Point of View
But the proof will be in execution. Allocating land is the easy part — building a facility that genuinely attracts Northeast talent and earns BCCI backing for competitive fixtures is a far longer game. The state has historically struggled to retain trained athletes who migrate to better-funded hubs; without residential support programmes and a credible pathway to the IPL ecosystem, the Sekerkot academy risks becoming another underutilised asset. The international stadium announcement, meanwhile, has been 'nearing completion' for some time — a timeline worth scrutinising before national boards pencil in fixtures.
NationPress
20 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the new Tripura cricket academy being built?
The cricket academy will be built at Sekerkot in West Tripura District, where the state government has allocated 30 acres of land. Chief Minister Manik Saha announced the allocation on 20 September 2026 at the TCA Annual Award Ceremony in Agartala.
Who will be able to use the Sekerkot cricket academy?
The academy is intended for cricketers from across the northeastern region, not only Tripura. CM Saha stated that players from other northeastern states will also have the opportunity to train there.
What is the status of Tripura's international cricket stadium?
According to CM Saha, construction of the international cricket stadium is nearing completion. He expressed hope that national and international matches will be organised there in the near future, though no specific completion date was announced.
Which Tripura cricketers were recognised at the TCA ceremony?
Mani Shankar Murasingh was honoured for becoming the first Tripura cricketer to play 100 Ranji Trophy matches. Abhijit Sarkar was felicitated for his achievement in the Duleep Trophy 2026-27, and Sridam Pal's consistent performance was also acknowledged.
What other cricket infrastructure is Tripura developing?
Improved practice grounds are being developed in Kailashahar, Belonia, and Jirania to promote grassroots cricket, particularly in rural areas of the state. These efforts complement the larger Sekerkot academy and the upcoming international stadium.
