Industrialist SK Behera to Contest JSCA Elections
Manifesto Outlines Roadmap for Cricket Growth with Zonal Academies and Transparency Pledge
Jamshedpur: Prominent industrialist and cricket enthusiast SK Behera has thrown his hat into the ring for the post of President of the Jharkhand State Cricket Association (JSCA) in the much-anticipated elections scheduled for Sunday. Backed by a full panel of experienced and committed candidates, Behera is contesting on a development-oriented agenda with the promise of transforming Jharkhand cricket at every level — from grassroots to international.
Behera’s team comprises Nandu Patel (Vice-President), SB Singh (Secretary), and Rajkumar Sharma (Joint Secretary). Contesting for committee membership are Shravan Jajoria, Naval Kishore Upadhyay, Gopal Krishna Sahay, Md. Kazir, and Gurbari Hembram. Candidates in the fray for district representatives include Arun Kumar Rai, Alok Kumar Rai, Praveer Kumar Singh, Dinesh Kumar Singh, and Shubham Kumar.
In his detailed manifesto, Behera has outlined a comprehensive and ambitious plan to strengthen cricket infrastructure, promote talent, and ensure good governance within the association. “Our vision is to take Jharkhand cricket to new heights by nurturing local talent and creating a robust cricketing ecosystem across districts,” he said.
Cricket for Every District and Panchayat
A key highlight of the manifesto is the promise to take cricket to every corner of the state — from district headquarters to remote panchayats. “We want to make sure no cricketing talent goes unnoticed. Our focus is on inclusive development — whether it’s urban Jharkhand or a tribal village,” Behera said.
The manifesto pledges the establishment of five zonal academies in Ranchi, Jamshedpur, Dhanbad, Palamu/Hazaribagh, and Dumka/Deoghar. Each academy will serve specific districts and sub-divisions, ensuring regional balance in training and talent scouting. In addition, rural cricket academies will be set up to unearth hidden talents from the villages.
To promote cricket at the foundational level, the team plans to launch special programs in schools, colleges, and universities. Local tournaments, state leagues, and international exposure events are part of the broader strategy to nurture and showcase talent.
Infrastructure Push with Focus on High-Performance Centers
Behera’s roadmap places a strong emphasis on building and upgrading cricket infrastructure across Jharkhand.
New stadiums and training facilities are on the cards, while existing grounds will be modernized. High-Performance Centers (HPCs) equipped with medical, physiotherapy, and rehabilitation facilities will be developed on the lines of the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru.
These HPCs, to be located at both zonal and district levels, will serve as hubs for scientific training, athlete recovery, and performance monitoring. Special attention will be given to underdeveloped districts to ensure balanced cricketing progress.
Transparency and Ethical Governance a Priority
In a bid to ensure fair administration, Behera’s team has made transparency and ethical governance a top priority. A strict code of discipline will be enforced for players, officials, and administrators alike. The team has committed to introducing accountable systems and fair selection processes at all levels.
A panel of BCCI-accredited umpires, curators, coaches, and video analysts will be formed. Regular training, certification, and evaluation programs will be implemented to raise the standards of cricket management in the state.
Welfare and Support for Players and Officials
Financial sustainability and player welfare form another major component of Behera’s plan. The manifesto proposes to boost revenue through sponsorships, broadcast rights, and strategic business partnerships. These funds will be reinvested in cricket development and player support initiatives.
Scholarships, career development programs, and professional guidance will be extended to players, especially those from economically weaker backgrounds. Coaches, officials, and staff will also receive structured support systems to ensure their wellbeing and professional growth.
Talent Identification and Skill Development
The team plans to launch a transparent and inclusive talent search across all districts. With a focus on skill development, the zonal and national academies will provide structured coaching. Free coaching and mentorship programs will be introduced to support youth from marginalized and tribal communities.
“This isn’t just about cricket. It’s about social development too. Cricket can become a powerful tool for community engagement and upliftment,” Behera said.
Elevating Jharkhand’s Competitive Edge
Performance improvement in domestic and national tournaments remains a major goal. Regular evaluations of players, coaches, and match officials will be conducted. The aim is to ensure consistent success in BCCI tournaments and produce future international stars.
Each of the five proposed zonal academies will have specific district-wise jurisdiction:
* Ranchi Academy: Ranchi, Khunti, Gumla, Lohardaga, Latehar, Simdega
* Jamshedpur Academy: East Singhbhum, West Singhbhum, Seraikela-Kharsawan
* Dhanbad Academy: Dhanbad, Bokaro, Giridih, Jamtara
* Palamu/Hazaribagh Academy: Hazaribagh, Ramgarh, Koderma, Chatra, Garhwa
* Dumka/Deoghar Academy: Dumka, Deoghar, Pakur, Godda, Sahibganj
Better Facilities for Members at JSCA Stadium
Behera’s team also plans to make the JSCA International Stadium in Ranchi more member-friendly. A new members’ lounge will be constructed in the main pavilion, equipped with comfortable seating, television, restaurant, toilets, and parking. Additional facilities will be arranged for senior citizens and persons with disabilities.
During major matches, life members will have access to exclusive seating with improved visibility and amenities. In a unique move, Behera’s team proposes that membership could be transferred to a dependent upon the death of a life member.
Two-Way Communication and Feedback
To ensure constant engagement with stakeholders, a complaint and suggestion box will be installed at the stadium entrance. An online feedback system will also be launched, allowing members, players, and staff to voice their concerns and suggestions freely.
“Jharkhand cricket is full of potential. With the right vision, we can transform it into a national powerhouse,” Behera concluded, adding that the team is committed to professionalism, accountability, and all-round development.
The JSCA elections are being closely watched as the outcome will shape the future of cricket in Jharkhand for years to come.
