Ranchi: Ahead of the upcoming Jharkhand State Cricket Association (JSCA) management committee elections scheduled for May 18, candidates from the panel ‘The Team’ addressed a press conference at Ranchi Press Club on Thursday to share their vision and key priorities with the media.
Ajay Nath Shahdeo, panel’s candidate for the president’s post, emphasized the importance of bringing transparency to JSCA and fostering a constructive relationship with the media. He stated that the core aim of the team is to accelerate cricket development across the state and to enhance the existing cricket infrastructure. To bolster this effort, recently retired international cricketers Shahbaz Nadeem and Saurabh Tiwary have been inducted into the panel to mentor and guide budding talents.
Shahdeo also underlined the panel’s commitment to promoting women’s cricket, stressing that female cricketers will be given equal opportunities and a platform to compete at the highest levels. “Our goal is to nurture Test-level players from Jharkhand and enhance the state’s performance in tournaments like the Ranji Trophy,” he added.
Sanjay Pandey, contesting for the vice-president’s post, highlighted the team’s mission to scout raw talent from villages and towns across Jharkhand and to provide them with access to advanced training facilities. “Our strength lies in unity, and together we will work to strengthen cricket at the grassroots level,” Pandey assured.
Former international cricketer Saurabh Tiwary, vying for the secretary’s role, revealed plans to launch a professional T20 league in the state to give local players exposure and competitive experience. He also proposed dividing the state into four to five zones, each equipped with high-quality practice grounds.
Shahbaz Nadeem, former India Test cricketer and candidate for joint secretary, pointed out that only a few districts currently have adequate cricketing infrastructure. He pledged that ‘The Team’ would work to extend such facilities to remote districts, ensuring that talent from every corner of the state gets the chance to shine.
Other candidates from ‘The Team’ present at the press meet included Sanjay Jain, Mihir Preetesh Topno, Ramesh Kumar (managing committee candidate), and Shriram Puri (district representative candidate), all of whom expressed a unified commitment to reform and revive cricket in Jharkhand.