'Smriti Romanthan’ where past meets present

Digital Desk, NE Post: The 91 Yards Club under the aegis of Assam Cricket Association (ACA) organized a captivating interaction event called ‘Smriti Romanthan’ on May 12th, 2023, at the club's auditorium located within the premises of the ACA Stadium in Guwahati. 

The event was graced by some of the most celebrated cricketing personalities of Assam, including Naba Kamal Bhuyan, the first Ranji Trophy cricketer of Assam who made his debut in the season of 1948-49, and Badal Thakur, the 34th Ranji Trophy cricketer of Assam who made his debut in the season of 1952-53. 

The cricketers, who have now aged gracefully, shared their invaluable cricketing experiences with present and former players, ACA Apex Council Members, and the media. During the event, Naba Kamal Bhuyan took a trip down memory lane and recalled his early days of playing cricket in Assam. He narrated how, in the early 1940s, he and his friends read books to prepare a cricket pitch at Guwahati's New Field when none were available in Assam.

Bhuyan also recounted a memorable exhibition match against a team from Bihar, where Shute Banerjee, a dangerous fast bowler, was leading the visiting side. The match was significant as it showcased the passion and perseverance of Assam's budding cricketers, who had to overcome several obstacles to prepare a pitch to showcase their skills.

The event proved to be a great platform for cricket enthusiasts to gain insights into the sport's early days in Assam and its first-ever Ranji Trophy cricketer journey. The ‘Smriti Romanthan’ was a testament to the rich cricketing history of Assam and the indomitable spirit of its players.

BCCI Joint Secretary and 91 Yards Club General Secretary Devajit Saikia, former Assam players Sankar Dutta Lahkar and Raju Phukan among others were present during the occasion. 

The Garrison Ground of Shillong became the proud venue which hosted the maiden Ranji Trophy Match of Assam. Assam was pitted against United Providence and the match was played on December 17, 18 and 19 in 1948. Assam was represented by RF Kettle (capt.) BB Bose, Naba Kamal Bhuyan, PW Bullock, A Guharoy, Col. Pahlajani, H Sandhu, LN Karanji, A Ahmed, P Atkins, Nalini Choudhury, 12th man: Ratnahash Goswami; Extra man: Pulin Das, Amulyahash Goswami.