For decades, the "Seven Sisters" and Sikkim were known primarily as the football capital of India. But as we move through the 2025-26 domestic season, a new roar is heard from the hills. Cricket in North East India is no longer a "developing" project; it is a competitive reality.
1. From the Plate to the Elite: The New Competitive Landscape
Since the landmark decision in 2018 to grant full membership to six North East states, the region has transitioned from being "newcomers" to genuine contenders. The North East Zone (NEZ) team now competes regularly in the Duleep Trophy, challenging established giants.
- Current Stars: Players like Rongsen Jonathan (Nagaland) and Kishan Lyngdoh (Meghalaya) have become household names in 2026.
2. The "Riyan Parag" Effect
Assam’s Riyan Parag shattered the glass ceiling by becoming the first player from the region to represent the Indian National Team in the modern era. His success has inspired thousands to pick up a bat in cities like Guwahati, Dimapur, and Shillong, shifting the cultural focus from football to the cricket pitch.
3. Overcoming the Monsoon: The 2026 Infrastructure Boom
The biggest challenge for the region has always been the weather. However, the 2026 landscape looks different thanks to aggressive BCCI intervention and new state-of-the-art indoor training centers in every North East capital, allowing for year-round practice.
4. Future Stars to Watch in 2026
- Rex Rajkumar Singh (Manipur): The lethal left-arm pacer continues to dominate.
- Jehu Anderson (Mizoram): A clinical wicketkeeper-batsman with elite timing.
- Ashish Thapa (Sikkim): The technically sound anchor of the Sikkim middle order.
Must Read: This cricketing revolution owes much to the visionaries who fought for regional talent. Read the untold story of Sambaran Banerjee, the captain and selector who first put East Zone cricket on the national map.
