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The region has been growing well in sports: Barthakur

By Pabitra Gogoi

GUWAHATI, Feb 8 - Although Assam cricket has been through a lot of ups and downs, however it is the passion and zeal within the people of Northeast which has helped the region to do well in sports, feels Ranjit Barthakur, Executive Chairman and Interim CEO of the Rajasthan Royals.

In an exclusive interview with The Assam Tribune, Barthakur spoke on a number of aspects regarding the game in the country as well as in Assam and the Northeast.

Excerpts from the interview

The Assam Tribune (AT): How IPL can help in developing cricket in India in particular and world in general? Mumbai HC, meanwhile, doubt on IPL�s role in developing cricket.

Ranjit Barthakur (RBT): Players have embraced IPL since the inception. The tournament has become the most valuable cricketing league in the world. The league�s restrictions on overseas player in a team has preserved its local flavour. It is evident that IPL has had a huge impact in Indian cricket. The world�s best come and play in IPL, this is great for the young Indians who are aspiring to become cricketers of feature.

Speaking from how RR has contributed to the league, I feel our scouting team has done a great job in the past years and continue to do the same even today. Moreover, legends like Rahul Dravid and Shane Warne have been instrumental in building a strong core and ensured that the focus of Rajasthan Royals remains in providing a platform to the youngsters to use it as a springboard to achieve their dreams in international cricket. That has truly been the mantra of RR.

Pakistan fast bowler Tanvir with his unorthodox action was a star to don the Rajasthan cap. Yusuf Pathan became a household name with his striking prowess and all round ability. Shane Watson resurrected his international career with his stupendous show in 2008 when he scored 472 runs and took 17 wickets to help Rajasthan win the trophy and winning the Man of the Tournament award in the process.

AT: If still there are any scopes to buy any Assam player for your team?

RBT: As I said, our scouting team led by Zubin Bharucha is always looking for talent across regions, we would be happy to have players from anywhere in India. Our vision has been to invest into trials to get the best talent on board and provide them the chance they have been waiting for.

Besides, BCCI takes a call on the final list of the players that actually make it to the auction pool. The teams can then opt for their choice of players depending on the prize purse and the mix of players the team is looking for building the right combination.

AT: Assam is not doing well in cricket. As a cricket administrator can you chalk out any plan to take Assam cricket to the next stage?

RBT: I think Assam cricket has gone through a lot of ups and downs, however the passion and zeal within the people of Northeast has been great and hence, the region has been growing well in sports.

History has it that Assam has produced some of the most accomplished cricketers like Abani Hazarika, Lalchand Rajput and now the young gun Rahul Hazarika. Cricket was played in the region largely in Clubs, Tea estates more for the love of sport and not as a profession. But with the much fanfare and evolution of the sport, Assam has been making a mark for themselves in the domestic cricket circuit with its Ranji Team. There are even players like Abu Nechim who has played with a couple of teams in IPL and Riyan Parag who made it to the auction pool this time. I would be happy to meet such youngsters who are committed to grow their careers into the sport.

AT: Do you have any plan to be associated with any organisation that takes care for development of sports in Northeast? As you know that this part of the country can be termed as hub of sporting talents.

RBT: Well Northeast is establishing itself as a capital of athletics, football and boxing. However, there has to be a comprehensive plan to work towards the development of all sports in the region. Thanks to my extensive travel, I got a chance to see that a legend like MC Mary Kom has been giving it back to the sport by promoting boxing in Imphal. Aizawl is progressing exceptionally well in football and Guwahati is one of the venues that hosts the football league matches.

With organisations like Tata Trust that is now working closely with Government of Assam for various initiatives, its great to see their inroads in sports too. It would be my utmost pleasure to be associated with any or every opportunity that works towards the betterment of sports culture in the Northeast.

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