Shillong, Sept 9: The Meghalaya Cricket Association (MCA) has announced trials for three categories ahead of the BCCI domestic cricket season 2026–27. Selection trials will be held for Senior Men, U-23 Men and U-19 Women at Shillong and Ri-Bhoi.
The Senior Men’s trials will be held at Polo Ground, Shillong, from September 11 to 16, while trials for the U-23 Men will take place at the same venue from September 18 to 23. The U-19 Women’s trials are scheduled at RBDCA Ground, Ri-Bhoi, from September 18 to 23.
Players are required to report at 9am for the trials.
The MCA said the trials are open to registered players as well as fresh players recommended by their respective district associations.
Documents required for fresh players
Fresh players recommended by district associations must produce the required documents before appearing for the trials.
These include a birth certificate, Aadhaar Card/Voter ID/Driving Licence/Passport, PAN Card, SSLC and HSSLC school certificates including admit cards and mark sheets, bank passbook or cancelled cheque, and two passport-size photographs.
The association has instructed players to bring both the original and a photocopy of all documents.
Players must also appear in white dress and bring their own playing kit.
For the U-19 Men’s category, the MCA said the list of eligible registered players would be shared later, in accordance with the norms and protocols laid down by the BCCI.
Age criteria announced
The MCA has also specified the age cut-offs for the 2026–27 season.
For U-23 Men and Women, players must have been born on or after September 1, 2003, while those competing in the U-19 Men and Women categories must have been born on or after September 1, 2007.
Players serving a BCCI/MCA ban, those aged 35 years or above, and players who did not attend the MCA trials during the previous two years will not be permitted to participate, according to the notice.
Travel and accommodation reimbursement
Players attending the trials will have to make their own arrangements initially and maintain records for subsequent reimbursement by the MCA.
The association has set a maximum accommodation reimbursement of Rs. 500 per head for dormitory accommodation, with proper vouchers required for claims.
Travel allowance will be provided on an actual basis for shared cab, bus or sumo travel. Daily allowance has been fixed at Rs. 600 per head for players from other districts who avail accommodation, while players from the host district will receive Rs. 300 per head.
Players travelling from the Garo Hills region will be eligible for a journey allowance of Rs. 400 per head for the onward and return journey.
The MCA has also advised districts and players not to exceed the stipulated reimbursement rates.
The trials are being conducted as part of the MCA’s preparations for the upcoming BCCI domestic season 2026–27, with the selection process covering senior men’s, U-23 men’s and U-19 women’s cricket.
