Only big challenge left is the grounds: Manhas

Following Jammu & Kashmir’s historic Ranji Trophy triumph here on Saturday, BCCI president Mithun Manhas said that the next big upgrade the region needed was the establishment of stadiums.

Before moving to India’s National cricket governing body last September, Manhas was a part of the BCCI sub-committee that was helming the affairs of the Jammu & Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA).

“The only big challenge left is the grounds,” Manhas told reporters here. “Everything else has been taken care of. The contract system is there, women cricketers are getting opportunities…

“I’m very thankful to the BCCI for the state-of-the-art academy in Jammu, with indoor facilities, swimming pool and gymnasium. We will be doing the same in Kashmir.

“We want stadiums to come up not only in Jammu and Kashmir for that matter, but in Rajouri, Poonch, Chenab as well.”

Manhas stated that this was the need of the hour because the team had “players from everywhere”.

“We need to have one in the Chenab Valley… Abid Mushtaq comes from there. There are a lot of other players. Rajouri and Poonch have tremendous potential, not only among senior men, but in under-23, under-19. The girls are coming up and we need to take care of everybody”.