Sikkim’s Ankur Malik has been selected for the upcoming Men’s Under-19 One-Day Challenger Trophy, adding another glorious chapter to the fledgling cricket of the Himalayan state after the exploits of its women’s team in the recently concluded U-19 zonal tournament.
Ankur, 17, who hails from Jorethang in South Sikkim, was selected for the elite tournament on the basis of his
exploits in the Vinoo Mankad Trophy earlier in the month. An all-rounder, Ankur scored 205 runs and bagged 16 wickets in the four completed matches.
An elated Ankur thanked the Sikkim Cricket Association (SiCA) for giving him an opportunity to play the game. “I am also grateful to the coaches and the support staff,” he said.
Roshan Prasad, a spokesman for SiCA, said before Ankur only two other players —Amos Rai and Anwash Karan Sharma — had made it to the zonal-level tournaments. However, Ankur has surpassed them by making it to the Challenger Trophy, which is the highest level in one-day cricket in the country.
This year’s edition of the Challenger Trophy will be held in Ahmedabad from October 25 to November 10. Those who can catch the eyes of the selectors have very good chances of finding a place in Team India for next year’s Under-19 World Cup.
Ankur’s selection comes close on the heels of the Sikkim Under-19 women team’s qualification for the elite division of the ODI tournament for the first time in the history of the state that has taken to cricket with aplomb this year under the guidance of Atul Gaikwad, SiCA’s director of coaching.
“Indeed, it is very inspiring for us and for many cricketers from Sikkim. Ankur’s selection and U-19 girls’ achievement are simply due to the hard work of our president, secretary, executive members and each person involved in Sikkim cricket. The seeds have been sown. Wait for a few more years and you will find an IPL star and an India player from SiCA,” said Gaikwad.
Lobzang G. Tenzing, the president of SiCA, said he was delighted with the performances of Sikkim this season. “Finally, we are seeing the results of the consistent and constant guidance provided by coaches, trainers, physios and others to upgrade the standard of cricket ,” he said.
