IPL-Style Cricket Returns to Kanchenjungha Stadium in Siliguri

Siliguri, India - Cricket has made a grand return to the Kanchenjungha Stadium in Siliguri, this time under the floodlights and in the format of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The T20 cricket tournament, organised by the prominent city club, Swastika Yubak Sangha, is set to begin on Thursday.

The Siliguri Challengers Trophy was officially inaugurated by Siliguri mayor Gautam Deb on Wednesday evening at the stadium. The second edition of the tournament, which has been held since last year, will see participation from 12 teams.

Teams from Siliguri and Jalpaiguri will be joined by those from Nepal, Sikkim, and a team from the Northeast Frontier Railway. “Only four matches will be played in the afternoon, that is, from 1pm. The remaining eight matches will be held from 6pm in floodlight. The final match is scheduled for May 15,” said a representative of the club.

Manoj Verma, the cricket secretary of the Siliguri Mahakuma Krira Parishad, the subdivisional sports body, expressed optimism about the tournament. He said, “The first edition of the tourney last year was a success. This time, we have come up with certain new attractions and arrangements and hope the event will be successful.”

The return of cricket to the Kanchenjungha Stadium, especially in the IPL format, is a significant development for the sport in the region. It not only provides a platform for local talent to showcase their skills but also brings the excitement and thrill of T20 cricket to the people of Siliguri.