As the cricket fever grips the Northeast, a fresh wave of excitement is building in Sikkim, where a squad of talented young cricketers is all set to participate in the much-anticipated NE Little Masters Trophy in Guwahati. The tournament, which aims to nurture grassroots talent and foster regional sporting ties, promises to be a defining moment for Sikkim’s under-14 and under-16 players, many of whom will be representing the state on such a prominent platform for the first time.
Organized by the Northeast Cricket Development Association in collaboration with local cricket bodies, the NE Little Masters Trophy brings together the best young talent from all eight northeastern states — Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, and Sikkim. The tournament is not only a celebration of cricket but a step toward unifying the region through sport, nurturing future champions and instilling confidence among youth in remote and often overlooked areas.
Sikkim’s young team, selected after a rigorous talent hunt and training camp, has been working tirelessly under the guidance of the Sikkim Cricket Association (SCA) and experienced coaches. The final squads for both U-14 and U-16 categories comprise boys from various districts, including Namchi, Mangan, Gyalshing, and Gangtok — many of whom have already made a mark in local tournaments.
Speaking before their departure, SCA Development Officer Tashi Tamang expressed great optimism about the team’s potential. “These youngsters are incredibly dedicated and have shown remarkable growth in the last few months. This tournament is a platform to test their skills, build confidence, and give them the exposure they deserve. We are not just participating — we’re aiming to make an impact.”
The NE Little Masters Trophy is designed to mimic a professional tournament format, complete with league matches, semi-finals, and a grand finale. Matches will be played with full kits under professional supervision, and performances will be monitored by regional selectors and talent scouts. It’s a golden opportunity for the cricketers to not only win matches but also to open doors to future state-level and national-level opportunities.
For many players, the trip to Guwahati is their first experience of playing outside Sikkim — a moment filled with both excitement and nerves. Fourteen-year-old Rohan Sharma from Gangtok, selected for the U-14 team, shared his enthusiasm: “I’ve been dreaming of wearing the Sikkim jersey and playing in a real stadium. I’ve practiced hard for this, and I’m ready to give it my all.”
Parents and teachers have been equally supportive, with several schools granting leave and encouraging students to pursue their passion. In rural pockets of Sikkim, local communities have even helped fund travel expenses and provide cricketing gear to talented children who lack financial resources.
Sikkim has long been a land better known for football and athletics, but recent years have seen a surge in cricket’s popularity. Thanks to growing infrastructure, training programs, and initiatives like the BCCI’s support for northeast states, young cricketers are now being groomed from an early age. The NE Little Masters Trophy is a crucial link in that chain — allowing regional talent to measure up to competition, understand professional expectations, and develop sportsmanship in a competitive yet nurturing environment.
While winning the trophy remains an ambitious goal, Sikkim’s delegation sees participation itself as a victory — a sign that the state’s cricketing ecosystem is evolving, and a new generation of athletes is finding its footing.
As the teams land in Guwahati and prepare to take the field, hopes are high that Sikkim’s rising stars will not only make their presence felt but return home as ambassadors of a sport that unites, empowers, and inspires. Whatever the results, the experience promises to ignite a deeper passion for cricket in the hearts of these Little Masters — and perhaps set them on the path to future sporting greatness.