After a gap of several months, first-class cricket is returning to the scenic hills of Meghalaya, with the Ranji Trophy once again set to be hosted in Shillong. The excitement among cricket fans is palpable as Meghalaya take on Mizoram in their Plate Group opener at the Meghalaya Cricket Association (MCA) Ground, Polo, starting October 15. The match will commence at 8:30 am, with the organisers welcoming spectators to witness the much-awaited home fixture. Cricket lovers in Shillong are eagerly anticipating the resumption of domestic red-ball action in the city, which has steadily become a growing hub for cricket in the Northeast. The picturesque MCA Ground, surrounded by lush green hills and a cool autumn breeze, is once again ready to host top-class cricket after a long wait.
Leading the home side this season will be Captain Kishan Lyngdoh, who continues to be a key figure in Meghalaya’s cricket setup. Supporting him will be Vice-Captain Akash Kumar Chaudhary, a talented fast bowler known for his disciplined line and swing. The team will be guided by head coach Moisten Ch Marak, who has been credited with shaping the team’s strategy and nurturing young talent from across the state. In terms of squad composition, the Meghalaya Cricket Association (MCA) has retained Ajay Duhan as a BCCI-approved guest player for a second consecutive season. Duhan, who made a significant impact last year with his consistent batting performances, is expected to play a crucial role in stabilising the middle order. Joining him this year is Rahul Dalal, a seasoned batter from Haryana, who previously represented Arunachal Pradesh in domestic cricket. Both players bring valuable first-class experience to the Meghalaya side, offering the team much-needed depth and balance.
The Meghalaya squad for the 2025–26 season includes a promising mix of local and guest players:
Aaron AR Nongrum, Akash Chaudhary (VC), Arien B Sangma (WK), Arpit Bhatewara (WK), Aryan Borah, Bamanbha Shangpliang, Bijon Dey, Chengkam Sangma, Dippu Sangma, Jaskirat Singh Sachdeva, Kishan Lyngdoh (C), Kush Agarwal, Swastic Chettri, Ajay Duhan (guest player), and Rahul Dalal (guest player).
This year, Meghalaya will compete in the Plate Group, which includes Bihar, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Manipur, and Mizoram. Each team will play in a round-robin format, and the top two sides from the group will progress to the Plate Group final. Cricket analysts believe that Meghalaya have a strong chance of advancing this year, thanks to their balanced squad and home advantage in the early matches. Head coach Moisten Ch Marak expressed optimism ahead of the season, saying that the players have shown “remarkable discipline, enthusiasm, and hunger to perform.” He also praised the efforts of the Meghalaya Cricket Association in improving facilities at the MCA Ground. Over the past year, the venue has undergone significant upgradation, including better pitch preparation, improved drainage systems, and enhanced spectator facilities.