India’s Men’s Selection Committee has unveiled the 15-member squad for the upcoming tour of Zimbabwe, featuring a historic inclusion: Assam’s Riyan Parag. This marks Parag’s debut call-up to the national team, making him the first player from Assam and the entire Northeast to wear the prestigious Indian jersey.
Assam Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma congratulated Parag on this milestone, celebrating it as a transformative moment for sports in Assam. On X, he expressed his pride, “Riyan Parag, this is the best news of the day! Our very own Assam boy becomes the first cricketer from the Northeast to join the ‘Men in Blue’ club. Dear Riyan, many congratulations on becoming a part of Team India’s T20 International series against Zimbabwe.”
He further highlighted the significance of this achievement, stating, “This is a watershed moment for sports in Assam. We will leave no stone unturned to ensure several more youngsters from our State can take up sports as a full-time profession.”
Riyan Parag ❤️
This is the best news of the day!
Our very own Assam boy becomes the first cricketer from the North East to join the ‘Men in Blue’ club.
Dear Riyan, many congratulations for becoming a part of Team India’s T20 International series against Zimbabwe.
This is a… pic.twitter.com/soNWn6VDB9
— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) June 24, 2024
The 15-member squad, led by Shubman Gill, includes a mix of seasoned players and emerging talents. Alongside Parag, players like Abhishek Sharma and Nitish Reddy have also been selected, signalling a promising future for Indian cricket.
The tour, taking place from July 6 to 14 in Harare, will feature a 5-match T20I series against Zimbabwe. This series, following India’s participation in the T20 World Cup 2024, is part of their ongoing international commitments. Under Gill’s leadership, the team aims to build momentum and integrate new talents into the fold.
