The Sikkim Cricket Association (SICA) has taken umbrage to soccer legend Bhaichung Bhutia’s remark on the quantum of annual funds received by the fledgling association from its parent body, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), terming it “false”. The statement says he (Bhaichung) repeatedly stated SICA receives grant-in-aid to the tune of Rs 15 to 20 crore a year. Speaking as a member of the Sikkim Football Association (SFA), he had bemoaned the lack of funding from both the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and the Sikkim government. If you compare this with cricket, the Sikkim Cricket Association receives between Rs 15 crore and Rs 20 crore (from the BCCI),” he had said, adding the state sports department also provides no funds to the football body. The BCCI, however, has directly financed and overseen the construction of the Sikkim Cricket Stadium, at the formerly known Mining Ground near Rangpo, some 40km from Gangtok.

Source: The Telegraph November 30, 2021 08:18 UTC