Jharkhand State Cricket Association election: ‘The Team’ vows transparency, grassroots cricket development

Ranchi, May 10: In the run-up to the Jharkhand State Cricket Association (JSCA) Management Committee elections scheduled for May 18, all candidates of the panel named ‘The Team’ addressed a press conference at the Ranchi Press Club on Friday. They laid out their roadmap for cricket development in Jharkhand, with a strong focus on transparency, infrastructure, and nurturing grassroots talent.

Congress leader and former JSCA Vice President Ajay Nath Shah Deo, the presidential candidate, emphasised that bringing transparency to JSCA’s functioning and maintaining a positive relationship with the media would be among his top priorities if elected. “Our core objective is to fast-track the development of cricket across the state and improve infrastructure,” he said. Shah Deo highlighted the inclusion of recently retired international cricketers Shahbaz Nadeem and Saurabh Tiwary in the panel, saying their experience would help guide the next generation of players.

Shah Deo also underlined the team’s commitment to promoting women’s cricket in Jharkhand. “We aim to provide equal opportunities and platforms for women cricketers, and we want to produce Test-level talent from the state,” he added.

Sanjay Pandey, the vice-presidential candidate, said his goal is to scout cricketing talent from every village and town in Jharkhand and ensure they receive high-quality training and exposure. “We will focus on strengthening the game at the grassroots level,” he said.

Secretary candidate and former India cricketer Saurabh Tiwary announced plans to launch a professional T20 league in the state. “A state-based league will give local players the much-needed experience and visibility. We also plan to divide the state into four to five zones to develop quality grounds for regular practice,” he said.

Shahbaz Nadeem, former Test cricketer and joint secretary candidate, pointed out that cricket facilities are currently limited to a few districts. “Our mission is to expand these facilities to remote and underserved regions to ensure balanced growth of the sport,” he said.

Other members of ‘The Team’ present at the event included Sanjay Jain, Mihir Pritesh Topno, Ramesh Kumar (Managing Committee candidate), and Shriram Puri (District Representative candidate), all of whom echoed the collective vision of inclusive and transparent cricket administration in Jharkhand.

Details of JSCA members who filed nomination from ‘The Team’ – President: Ajay Nath Shahdeo, Vice President: Sanjay Pandey, Secretary: Saurabh Tiwari (Former International Cricketer), Joint Secretary: Shahbaz Nadeem (Former International Cricketer), Treasurer: Amitava Ghosh, Managing Committee: Sanjay Jain, Ramesh Kumar, Mihir Pritesh Topno, Parvez Khan, Ratnesh Kumar Singh, School and Club Representative: Uma Maheshwar Rao.