Imphal, Manipur: Manipur has topped the Ranji Trophy Plate Group, earning promotion to the Elite Group and setting up a highly anticipated clash against Bihar from January 22 to 26 next year. This marks the second time Manipur will compete in the Elite Group, highlighting the state’s rising stature in domestic cricket.
The Plate Group featured six teams: Manipur, Bihar, Meghalaya, Sikkim, Mizoram, and Arunachal Pradesh. Manipur finished the group stage unbeaten, collecting 18 points with two wins, while Bihar secured 16 points, finishing second. Matches were held at the CK Pithawala Ground in Surat.
Former Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh congratulated the team, stating, “A moment of immense pride for our State as the Manipur Ranji Team has reached the finals of the Ranji Trophy Plate Group, topping the group and remaining unbeaten throughout the tournament. As the team prepares to face Bihar in the finals, I extend my best wishes. A victory will take us to the Elite Group next year, reaffirming Manipur’s growing strength in national sports. Congratulations to the players, coaches, and the entire support staff.”
Manipur coach Siddharth Trivedi said, “We are in the finals! Every game is a takeaway, and the boys have shown tremendous commitment in all the matches. Congratulations to everyone in the team, including the support staff and the Manipur Cricket Association, for this achievement.”
Captain K. Bishorjit added, “I’m feeling incredibly grateful and proud of the team. As we prepare for the final against Bihar, our focus will be on keeping things simple, sticking to our strengths, and playing fearless cricket.”
The promotion underscores Manipur’s growing presence in India’s domestic cricket circuit, and analysts expect it will boost investment in infrastructure, coaching, and talent development in the northeast.
