Jabalpur’s cricketing landscape poised for major revival

 

 

 

The destiny of cricket in Jabalpur Division is poised to enter a transformative era, ushering in renewed hopes for nurturing talent and promoting the gentleman’s game from the very heart of India. After enduring a drought of over five decades, during which no player from the division rose to the national squad and the region lacked even a single national-level stadium, the cricketing landscape is now set for a major revival. The winds of change began when the Madhya Pradesh Government revoked the registration of the previously authorised cricket association managing affairs in the division. In response, Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association (MPCA) also terminated its affiliation with the defunct body and instituted a temporary panel to oversee cricket activities in the region. Sensing the urgent need for structured, transparent and credible cricket administration, a group of seasoned former cricketers came together to form the Mahakaushal Region Cricket Association (MRCA).

 

The association, committed to reviving and elevating cricket in the division, formally submitted a proposal to the MPCA to take charge of cricket operations in Jabalpur and its surrounding districts. In a significant development, MPCA officially granted affiliation to MRCA, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the region’s cricketing journey. The MRCA draws its strength and inspiration from Jabalpur’s rich cricketing legacy, the birthplace of legendary Indian cricketer Chandu Sarwate and eminent cricket administrator Rajrishi Parmanand Bhai Patel. The association has pledged to carry forward this legacy by building a system that prioritises merit-based selections, transparency and quality infrastructure.

 

The newly affiliated body has laid out ambitious plans, including the formation of dedicated selection committees for men and women at senior and junior levels, as well as expanding its reach to club and district-level cricket before the onset of the next season. Furthermore, to ensure the smooth and disciplined execution of cricketing activities, MRCA will also constitute a disciplinary committee. With a clear vision and the backing of MPCA, Mahakaushal Region Cricket Association stands ready to script a brighter future for cricket in Jabalpur that honours its proud past and paves the way for national recognition.

 

 

 “Mahakaushal Region Cricket Association (MRCA), Jabalpur has been formed by experienced former cricketers with the primary aim of providing talented players from the Jabalpur division a fair opportunity to showcase their skills at the state and national levels. The organisation is registered under the provisions of the Madhya Pradesh Firms and Societies Act, 1973,” said Suresh Verma, Secretary, MRCA while addressing a press conference, on Sunday. Siddharth Patel has been nominated as President while Suresh Verma and Achal Singh Gaur have been nominated as Secretary and Joint Secretary of MRCA. Joint Secretary, Achal Singh Gaur and senior member, Dr Arvind Jain said that Jabalpur division possesses some of the finest cricketing talent in Madhya Pradesh.

 

The Association believes that this potential can only be realised through transparent and just selection processes and by offering the right platforms for players to excel and bring recognition to the region at state and national levels. MRCA has assured MPCA of its commitment to fulfilling expectations and contributing skilled cricketers to the state and national teams. The association plans to establish separate selection committees for men and women at senior and junior levels ahead of the upcoming cricket season. The Association also plans to expand its network to club and 9 districts before the next season begins. To ensure disciplined operations, a dedicated Disciplinary Committee will also be constituted.