Nagaland to host IDFC First Bank Senior Women’s Inter-Zonal T20 Trophy

DIMAPUR — The Nagaland Cricket Association (NCA), under the aegis of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), is set to host the IDFC First Bank Senior Women’s Inter-Zonal T20 Trophy from November 4 to the 14th.

This was announced during a press conference held at the NCA conference hall on Monday by the Honorary Secretary of NCA Hyunilo Anilo Khing, who stated that six zonal teams featuring both international and national women cricketers from across the country will compete for the title.

He added that this will be the first time the Nagaland Cricket Association is hosting the premier domestic T20 tournament, which will be played across two venues—the Nagaland Cricket Stadium and the Sovima Cricket Ground.

Khing informed that a total of 132 players and support staff will take part in the tournament. Each day will feature two matches, with the first two matches starting at 11 am and the third match at 4 pm. The six participating zones include the North Zone, South Zone, East Zone, West Zone, Central Zone, and North-East Zone.

He mentioned that the tournament is not merely about players coming to Nagaland to play cricket, but rather represents a destination tournament for the state. He said that for a state like Nagaland, located in the easternmost corner of the country, being entrusted with hosting a top-tier domestic tournament is a matter of great significance and pride.

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He expressed gratitude to the BCCI leadership and Jay Shah, the chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC), for making the event possible and providing Nagaland the opportunity to host a tournament where many international cricketers will be playing on Naga soil for the first time.

Khing also acknowledged that the tournament was made possible through the support and patronage of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, the chief patron and former president of the Nagaland Cricket Association.

He highlighted that the tournament was made possible largely due to Nagaland’s strong cricket infrastructure, stating that it is the only state in the Northeast with three well-equipped cricket grounds—the Nagaland Cricket Stadium, Sovima Cricket Ground, and JNR Ground—all located within a one-kilometre radius and within the Centre for Sports Excellence, which the government has already dedicated to the people of the state.

He further shared that the tournament will be attended by national selectors and office bearers of the BCCI, adding that the NCA has been preparing for the event over the past month. He added that the pitch has been curated by the BCCI Chief Curator Bhowmick.

On behalf of the NCA, Khing also extended his congratulations to the Indian women’s cricket team for their historic ICC World Cup victory in Navi Mumbai last night. He described it as a landmark achievement for women’s cricket, comparing it to the 1983 World Cup, which redefined Indian cricket.