In a significant step toward enhancing women’s cricket in the region, the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) has appointed former India cricketer Latika Kumari Sangwan as the new coach for their senior women’s team. This move reflects JKCA’s strong commitment to developing local talent with the potential to excel at the international level.
Latika Kumari, now 42, made her international debut for India against England on June 11, 2009, in India’s first-ever match at the ICC T20 Women’s World Cup. She played six matches for the country, all in the T20 format, with her top score of 36 coming against Bangladesh.
Mithun Manhas, JKCA’s Member of Cricket Operations and Development, highlighted Latika’s vast experience and coaching expertise, noting her crucial role in shaping J&K’s emerging cricketers. He praised the recent achievements of the senior women’s and U-15 teams in national tournaments.
“J&K women’s cricket is already on the upswing. We have produced a big number of players who have represented JKCA in the North Zone, Challenger Trophy, and NCA Camps. Now, JKCA is aiming to produce India and IPL players, so we have hired a former international cricketer and coach to train our players,” said Manhas (sourced from statetimes.in).
Adding to their efforts, JKCA is preparing to build a state-of-the-art cricket facility in Jammu, equipped with modern amenities and training resources to nurture cricketing talent.
In recent years, J&K’s senior women’s team made history by reaching the knockout stage of the Senior Women’s One-Day Trophy during the 2021-22 season. Similarly, the U-15 women’s team secured a spot in the knockout stage of the U-15 Women’s One-Day Trophy in the 2023-24 season.
Since the nomination of a three-member Sub Committee by the BCCI to oversee the JKCA in 2021, following a directive from the J&K High Court, the association has rapidly progressed. The JKCA has prioritised infrastructure development and set up high-standard cricket academies throughout the Union Territory.
The BCCI had earlier approved plans to establish indoor cricket academies in northeastern states, Patna, and Jammu. The academy in Jammu will feature an all-weather cricket facility with four wickets, a gymnasium, cafeteria, changing rooms, massage room, lounge, ice bath facility, and more, offering comprehensive support for player development.