Agartala, August 04, 2025: Tripura Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha on Sunday said the state’s first international cricket stadium is expected to be completed by December this year, and strongly emphasized that sports should remain free from political interference.
The Chief Minister made these remarks while inaugurating the K.C. Girls’ School Cricket Ground in Kamalpur and launching a celebrity T10 exhibition match between the Tripura Cricket Association (TCA) and Bengal Tigers.
Calling it a “historic day for Kamalpur,” Dr. Saha said, “When I was TCA President, I noticed the stadium was being constructed in an unplanned way back in 2017. I personally intervened and pushed for corrections. Today, it is due to the sincere efforts of the current TCA committee that we are witnessing its inauguration.”
He did not shy away from criticizing past practices, alleging that talent in cricket had long been ignored due to political favoritism.
“There were many who had the skills but never got opportunities because of political interference. Some even played in the Ranji Trophy thanks to their political connections. During the previous regime, party loyalty took precedence over talent,” Dr. Saha stated, referring to the earlier Left Front government.
He said the 2018 change in government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership was a mandate for transparency and meritocracy. “We have ensured recruitment based on merit, not party ties. The opposition continues to create confusion using their cadre,” he added.
Dr. Saha further assured that the state government is committed to developing sports infrastructure across Tripura. “We don’t lack talent, but practice and infrastructure are essential. Even during the construction of the international stadium, politics created unnecessary hurdles. But now, we are moving forward. I was recently told at an event in MBB Stadium that the stadium will be ready by December. Once complete, international players will come and play here.”
Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Tinku Roy, MLA Manoj Kanti Deb, TCA Vice President Upananda Debbarma, TCA Secretary Subrata Dey, TCA Advisor Tapan Lodh, along with officials from the Dhalai district administration and police, were also present at the event.
