SICA celebrates 38th Foundation Day at Sribadam

GANGTOK, :The Sikkim Cricket Association (SICA) celebrated its 38th Foundation Day Thursday at Sribadam in Soreng district. The event, themed “Lets Grow Together” was organized in collaboration with Soreng District Cricket Committee.

The celebration involved presentation of awards to meritorious players and felicitations. Fun games and contests were also organised for kids with winners receiving prizes and cricket kits. Likewise, two lucky draw winners received cricket gears worth Rs. 20,000 each.

The event was attended by Namthang-Rateypani MLA Sanjeet Kharel as the chief guest, area MLA Erung Tenzing Lepchaas the guest of honour and State Bank of Sikkim MD Phurba Wangdi Bhutia as the special guest.

Kharel congratulated SICA on completing 38 years and praised its ongoing efforts to popularize cricket across Sikkim. “There is a visible craze for cricket among the youth here, and that is a very positive sign. With this kind of enthusiasm, I believe many talented cricketers will emerge from Sikkim in the years to come,” he said.

He appreciated SICA’s approach of organizing foundation day events in different districts, rather than limiting it to its headquarters. “SICA could have chosen to celebrate this day at its base at Mining on a smaller scale. But instead, they are taking the game to different corners of the state, making cricket more accessible,” he stated.

The MLA encouraged youth to consider cricket as a viable career option. “With the right support and commitment, our youth too can achieve great heights in cricket.”

SICA president Tika Subba explained the rationale behind hosting Foundation Day celebrations across different districts. “This is our way of taking cricket to the grassroots, making sure the sport reaches every corner of the state.”

He also highlighted the association's efforts in decentralizing responsibilities to district cricket associations to expand the reach of the sport. 

Subba expressed his gratitude to all stakeholders for their support in the development of cricket in Sikkim. He also acknowledged the strong backing from the Chief Minister and the State government. 

He highlighted the association’s achievement and shared future plans and encouraged children to see cricket not just as a game but as a potential career path.

The foundation day celebration saw the presentation of annual SICA Awards. The ‘Player of The Season’ award was presented to senior men’s player Ankur Malik, who delivered with both bat and ball during 2024/25 BCCI Domestic Season, scoring 619 runs and taking 37 wickets. 

Ankur also won the award for Best Male Cricketer (Senior Category), while senior women’s player Leezamit Lepcha won in female category.

The ‘SICA Emerging Player’ award for young cricketer of the season was presented to under-16 player Anuj Chhetri (see table for full list of awards).

The top performers in the SICA tournaments, viz. Vinod Pradhan Trophy, A, B, C and D Division Men’s Tournaments, and Women’s Club Tournament were also recognised.

Additionally, SICA presented lifetime achievement awards to former member L.M. Khawas, former joint secretary Sherap Dorjee Bhutia and current joint secretary Gopal Sharma

Besides, the association felicitated Sanjeet Kharel, Phurba Wangdi Bhutia, Amba Cricket Academy, Karma Thendup Bhutia and Karma Sangay Bhutia with the latter two felicitated posthumously.

Letters of appreciation were presented to BCCI scorers Anjan Khanal and Dewakar Sewa and members of Sikkim team that recorded a historic win against Rajasthan in Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024/25.

SICAAWARDS 2025

Player of the Season: ANKUR MALIK, Senior Men’s Team

Emerging Player of the Season: ANUJ CHHETRI, U-16 Boys’ Team

Best Male Cricketer (Senior Category): ANKUR MALIK, Senior Men’s Team

Best Female Cricketer (Senior Category): LEEZAMIT LEPCHA, Senior Women’s Team

Best Male Cricketer (Junior Category): ADNAN ALAM, U-19 men’s Team

Best Female Cricketer (Junior Category): KUSHI KUIKEL, U-15 Girls’ Team

Vinod Pradhan Award for Best U-23 Men’s Player: TARUN SHARMA

Namgyal Wangdi Award for Best U-23 Women’s Player: NANDIKA KUMARI

Dhiraj Gurung Award for Best U-19 Men’s Player: ADNAN ALAM

Karma Sangay Bhutia Award for Best U-19 Women’s Player: AKRITI SHARMA

Karma Thendup Bhutia Award for Best Boys’ U-16 Player: MD SAZID ALI

Topden Lepcha Award for Best Girls’ U-15 Player: JASMIN CHETTRI