The Saurashtra Cricket Association is the administrative body for cricket activities in the Saurashtra region of the state of Gujarat in India. It is also affiliated to the Board of Control for Cricket in India, who is the parent body or the governing set up for the game of cricket in Saurashtra, and also conducting matches ranging from grass root level to international levels.
The Saurashtra Cricket Association develops and also promotes the game of cricket by conducting various League Tournaments, tournaments for the age group Under-13, Under-15, Under-17, Under-19, Under-22 and Under-25 categories besides organising and conducting National Tournaments.
History of Saurashtra Cricket Association
The game of cricket has been played in the region since the British rule in India. The game was first introduced by military and civil officers connected with the British Agency. This province was named Kathiawar; however, the official records show the name as Saurashtra or its abbreviated name Sorath. The game of cricket was first played in schools and colleges in the region, where they had their own cricket teams in their curriculum. This helped to grow interest among the people.
People like Ranjit Singh and Duleep Singh, who were students of Rajkumar College in Rajkot became cricket legends when they went on to play cricket for Cambridge University, Sussex and England.
The BCCI was formed in December 1929 and Saurashtra Cricket Association was set up in the year 1950 - 51, and ever since the Association is functioning as Cricket Authority in the region of Gujarat. Saurashtra Cricket Association has played 250 matches from 1934-35 to 2004-2005.
Up to 1956-57, Ranji Trophy was played on knock out basis and from 1957-58 it was played on a league basis and Saurashtra Team formed one of the teams from West Zone.
Overview of Saurashtra Cricket Association
The chronicles of history of Indian cricket shows the role, achievements and contribution of Saurashtras towards the game of cricket in India. The Saurashtra Cricket Association has, over the years, taken serious care of spirit, interest and passion of its players. And it has and is still working towards supporting cricket in the local regions and promoting the game to the areas where it has not reached yet. The Saurashtra Cricket Association is completely committed to promote cricket and the budding cricketers in the best possible manner and to strengthen infrastructural facilities of all affiliated associations.
The Association elected its first Secretary in the form of Niranjan Shah in 1972-73 and thereafter has been re-elected continuously unchallenged for said office. He has been the pivotal force behind the transformation of cricket facilities in the recent years. With serious efforts and enterprise Niranjan Shah, along with his team of governing officials have efficiently and successfully hosted and managed prestigious One Day International matches at Rajkot. Apart from this, the Saurashtra Cricket Association has been managing many popular domestic tournaments and league matches.
