'Time for me to open a new chapter in my career' - Mandeep Singh set to play for Tripura from 2024- 25 domestic season

Indian batter Mandeep Singh has announced his departure from the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) to join Tripura for the upcoming 2024-25 domestic season. The announcement, made on August 10, marks the end of a 14-year association with his home state Punjab, and the beginning of a new journey for the accomplished right-handed batter.

Singh, who made his first-class debut for Punjab in the 2010-11 Ranji Trophy season, has been a key player in Punjab's batting lineup across all formats. With over 14,000 runs, including 19 centuries and 81 fifties, his contribution to Punjab cricket has been immense. The 32-year-old also represented India in three T20Is in 2016, scoring 87 runs with a highest score of an unbeaten 52 against Zimbabwe.

The move to Tripura comes after Mandeep's successful captaincy stint with Punjab, where he led the team to their maiden Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy title in the 2023-24 season. His leadership and batting skills were evident in that season as he scored 167 runs in eight innings at a striking rate of 138.01 during the tournament. In a heartfelt statement on his social media account, Mandeep expressed his gratitude to the PCA and the significance they hold in his life.

“I have had the most amazing journey at PCA from junior level all the way to senior level whilst also having the best fortune of being the Winning Captain of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy for 2023-2024," Mandeep wrote on his 'X' handle.

Also Read: PCB launches three new tournaments for 2024-25 domestic season

PCA have been by my side over the years: Mandeep Singh

Besides, Mandeep Singh also thanked Dilsher Khanna, secretary of PCA, Yuvraj Singh, and Harbhajan Singh for supporting Singh at crucial junctures in his career. The right-hand batter said that after a lot of thinking and consultation, he decided to move to Tripura and represent them in the coming season.

“I want to extend my appreciation to Dilsher Khanna, secretary of PCA, Yuvraj Singh and Harbhajan Singh, for their constant support throughout the years. I would also like to thank the members of PCA Management and to the staff that have been by my side over the years," he added.

“However, after a lot of deliberation, I think it’s time for me to open a new chapter in my career. I have decided that now is the right time to go ahead and play cricket for Tripura in the upcoming domestic season. I am excited for the new beginnings at Tripura and to celebrate the many milestones and achievements that are yet to come,” Mandeep concluded.

Also Read: Wasim Jaffer appointed as head coach of Punjab’s state team ahead of domestic season

His move to Tripura fills the void left by Wriddhiman Saha, who served as captain and mentor for the past two seasons before returning to Bengal. The Tripura Cricket Association has also secured the services of another Punjab player, Jiwanjot Singh, and appointed PV Shashikanth as the head coach. Currently playing for Hull Zingari Cricket Club in the North Yorkshire Premier League, he sees this move as an opportunity to establish himself.