The cricket buzz is back in Shillong! The Meghalaya Cricket Association (MCA) just dropped some major news that has every fan talking. On July 24, they officially announced a 32-member shortlist for the senior men’s team, all set to tackle the demanding 2025-26 BCCI domestic cricket season. This isn't just a list of names; it's a statement of intent from the MCA, showing a clear, structured path forward for cricket in our state.
Key Highlights
- ✓ The Meghalaya Cricket Association (MCA) has announced a 32-player shortlist for the senior men's team.
- ✓ Selection was based on performance in recent trials and the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons.
- ✓ The squad will be joined by three guest professional players, with names yet to be announced.
- ✓ The season kicks off with the Ranji Trophy on October 15, 2025.
- ✓ A standby has been named for Adarsh Joshi pending BCCI clearance for his bowling action.
A Rigorous Path to Selection
So, how did they land on these 32 players? Well, it was anything but random. The senior men’s selection committee undertook a really thorough process. They didn't just look at a few good games; they dug deep into player performances over the last two full seasons—the 2023-24 and 2024-25 campaigns. Consistency was clearly the name of the game here.
On top of that, the MCA held comprehensive selection trial matches recently, giving players a fresh chance to prove their mettle and showcase their current form. It's this blend of long-term tracking and immediate performance that makes the list so compelling. According to a notice signed by MCA Honorary Secretary Rayonald Kharkamni, this dual-focus approach ensures that the selected squad is not just talented but also in peak condition and ready for the challenges ahead.
This entire process really underscores the MCA's commitment to building a competitive team from the ground up. It’s about rewarding consistent performers and identifying players who can handle the pressure of the domestic circuit. It’s a professional setup that aims to elevate the standard of cricket in Meghalaya, and you can see that philosophy reflected in how this squad was put together.
A Packed Season on the Horizon
The selected players won't have much time to rest on their laurels, because the season ahead is absolutely packed. We're talking about a marathon of cricket across all three major formats, testing the team's skill, endurance, and versatility. It all kicks off on October 15 with the prestigious Ranji Trophy, the pinnacle of first-class cricket in India. This is where temperament and technique are truly tested over four-day matches.
After the red-ball challenge, the action switches to the explosive T20 format. The Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy is scheduled to begin on November 26. This fast-paced tournament is all about power-hitting and clever tactics, a completely different beast from the Ranji Trophy. It’s a true test of a team's adaptability.
And just when you think the season is winding down for the holidays, it’s not! The one-day action begins with the Vijay Hazare Trophy starting on December 24. This 50-over competition strikes a balance between the marathon of first-class cricket and the sprint of T20s, requiring both strategic planning and aggressive play. It's a grueling schedule, but one that offers a massive opportunity for Meghalaya to make its mark on the national stage.
Meet the 32 Shortlisted Players
Alright, this is the moment everyone's been waiting for. Who are the players carrying Meghalaya's hopes this season? The list features a fantastic mix of familiar faces and promising talent. The MCA has also made a very specific contingency plan for one player. Bipin Kumar Ray has been named as a standby for Adarsh Joshi, conditional on Joshi receiving clearance for his bowling action from the BCCI. This shows some great forward-thinking by the selectors.
Here is the full 32-member shortlist:
- ✓ Anish Charak
- ✓ Bijon Dey
- ✓ Adarsh Joshi (Standby: Bipin Kumar Ray)
- ✓ Agreas Chamcham A Sangma
- ✓ Arpit Bhatewara
- ✓ Bibek Poudel
- ✓ Kishan Lyngdoh
- ✓ Swarajeet Das
- ✓ Akash K Chaudhary
- ✓ Himan C Phukan
- ✓ Swastic Chettri
- ✓ Yogesh Tiwari
- ✓ Jaskirat Singh Sachdeva
- ✓ Chengkam Sangma
- ✓ Ram Gurung
- ✓ Arien B Sangma
- ✓ Mewada Shylla
- ✓ Arbin Singh
- ✓ Badonnam John Mylliemngap
- ✓ Kush Agarwal
- ✓ Abhishek Gupta
- ✓ Aaron AR Nongrum
- ✓ Rohit Shah
- ✓ Abhishek Kumar
- ✓ Aryan Borah
- ✓ Tarique A Siddique
- ✓ Bamanbha Shangpliang
- ✓ Riboklang Hynniewta
- ✓ Dippu Sangma
- ✓ Lerry G Sangma
- ✓ Rahul Shah
- ✓ Sengsrang K Sangma
Preparation and Final Steps
Being shortlisted is a huge achievement, but the work is far from over. The MCA has instructed all 32 players to continue their training and practice routines diligently to maintain their fitness and sharpness. The real grind begins now as they prepare for the final selection phase.
The next major milestone for this group will be a final selection-cum-preparatory camp, which is slated for the first week of September. This camp will likely be where the final squad for each tournament is honed and strategies are discussed. It’s the last chance for players to make their case and for the coaching staff to finalize their plans before the season opener in October.
It's a clear message from the association: stay ready, stay focused. The MCA is not just picking a team; it's fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professionalism. This structured approach, from trials to preparatory camps, is exactly what's needed to compete at a high level in the Indian domestic circuit. The foundation is being laid for a potentially historic season for Meghalaya cricket.
Conclusion
So there you have it. The Meghalaya Cricket Association has laid its cards on the table with a promising 32-man shortlist for the 2025-26 domestic season. The selection process was meticulous, focusing on sustained performance and current form. With a grueling schedule featuring the Ranji Trophy, Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, and Vijay Hazare Trophy, the road ahead is tough but full of opportunity. As the players gear up for their final camp in September, the excitement among fans is only going to build. It's a great time for cricket in Meghalaya, and we'll be watching every step of the way.
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