SCA History

Shillong was the capital of composite Assam during the British regime and for a quarter century in independent India, until a separate State of Meghalaya was formed in the year Cricket in Shillong dates back to the British era with the game introduced in the mid-1800s by the British. During this period the game was played purely for fun and entertainment purposes by the Englishmen who were stationed in Shillong. As time passes, the game gains momentum and popularity and more people started taking interest in the game. A need was felt to have a regular proper and well-run Tournament. With this idea in mind the Shillong Cricket Association (SCA) was established in the year 1937.

With the forming of Shillong Cricket Association, Clubs Cricket started in the form of league structure. Many teams from different divisions (districts) took part. With the spreading of popularity of the game to different part of the State, a need was felt to have a bigger association to spread and organise the game to more areas of the State. In the process Assam Cricket Association was formed in the year 1947. Representatives and officials of the Shillong Cricket Association was involved and present in the Meeting. Shillong Cricket Association hosted the maiden Ranji Trophy Match at the famous Garrison Ground in 1948. The game was played between Assam against United Province from Uttar Pradesh. Three Shillong Cricket Association players included in the Assam team besides the British players.

Even after Meghalaya got its statehood in 1972, Shillong Cricket Association continued its affiliation with the Assam Cricket Association till 2000. During this period Shillong Cricket Association conducted various Cricket Tournaments organized by Assam Cricket Association being its affiliated unit. Even as a team, Shillong Cricket Association performed well in these competitions.

Besides the game, Shillong Cricket Association produced good and efficient sports administrators to name a (1) Ratan Lal Epiphany who became Vice President of the Assam Cricket Association in the year 1979-80. Later on he became the President of the Association in the year March 1986 to March 1989. At present there are host of officials who are qualified, capable and learned persons who are looking after the well-being and day-to-day activities of the Association.

Legal Status

Shillong Cricket Association is a society registered under the Societies Registration, Act bearing Certificate No. E.16()5/of 2006/236 dated 01/09/2006. The SCA has its own Constitution and Rules which governs its powers, functions and management. The Shillong Cricket Association is also one of the cricket association within Shillong (East Khasi Hills District) and is affiliated/registered under the Meghalaya Cricket Association (MCA) on ………… Apart from SCA, there are about 10 cricket associations from each District of the State of Meghalaya who are also affiliated to MCA. Needless to mention herein that The Meghalaya Cricket Association is also affiliated to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), which is the principal national governing body of the sport of cricket in India. As such, the Shillong Cricket Association also forms an integral part of the BCCI through the MCA.

Present Structure

The present structure of the Association is that there are 4 (four) Divisions i.e. Super Division, First Division, Second Division and Third Division. The competitions in these divisions are on a League Basis, so that their teams get more games to play and exhibit their talents and exposure. Besides these league tournaments, we organise School Tournaments of different age groups of both boys and girls. We also run the women cricket tournament on a regular basis of both Junior and Senior Girls. Just 2 (two years back the Association have opened a Cricket Academy for our young and budding talent for both boys and girls category.

The Shillong Cricket Association also have a vision to uplift cricket cricket in the State of Meghalaya to another level and spot talent among the youths. Most of the players representing the state in the BCCI tournament comes from the Shillong Cricket Association, even at the time when it was not affiliated with the BCCI, players from Shillong were selected to represent Assam in the Ranji Trophy. The Shillong Cricket Association then therefore caters to the need of more than 80 (eighty) Clubs coming from different parts of the District affiliated with us.

Conclusion

To safeguard and protect the interest of the SCA and to uplift the game of cricket in the State of Meghalaya and to promote the aspiring admirers of the sport, it is imperative that the MCA and SCA must work hand in hand together against any challenges likely to be faced while implementing the game of cricket in future