Assam Cricket Association's new president Taranga Gogoi sets sight on big development plans

Taranga Gogoi, the new president of the Assam Cricket Association (ACA) has said that the new committee's primary goal will be to expand the game's popularity and take it to the smaller towns of the state and not keep the opportunities restricted. He said that one of the other key areas of focus for the committee will be infrastructural provision and coaching facilities.

Assam have always been underdogs in the domestic circuit and are yet to get their hands on a major silverware. But they impressed everyone at the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy 2022 and made it to the quarterfinals of the tournament.

They’re all set to face Jammu & Kashmir in their next contest, and a victory would hand them a place in the semi-final. After a morale-boosting outing, this move by the new committee comes in as a piece of great news for the cricketers of Assam.

“We will ensure that cricket doesn’t remain confined to Guwahati alone. We will try to ensure that more matches, including first-class games, are held in venues outside this main city,” Gogoi said after taking charge as the president of ACA on November 27, Sunday.

We will also be working towards making the ACA Stadium a test venue: Gogoi

Gogoi, a first-time BJP member from the Naharkatia constituency, also emphasized the significance of adequate infrastructure and coaching facilities. Additionally, he stated that the ACA would urge the BCCI for additional international matches to be played in Guwahati, including World Cup matches when India hosts the tournament in 2023.

“The committee before us has initiated a lot of infrastructure development work across the state. We will be looking to complete those as well as undertake new ones. Without proper infrastructure, the players cannot give their best. Alongside this, we will also ensure that adequate coaching and other facilities are available for our cricketers. We will also be working towards making the ACA Stadium, Guwahati, a test venue,” Gogoi added.

Additionally, Rajinder Singh was elected as the Joint Secretary, Chiranjit Langthasa was named the treasurer and Anupam Deka joined as a member of the Apex Council. The Indian Cricketers Association will propose two players, along with one from the Assam office of the Accountant General, to the Apex Council. The nine members are a part of a three-year term.