History
Bhutan Cricket History is Compiled by Ugyen Dorji in his Cricket Blog, Click Here to Read the Bhutan Cricket History Archives.
The International Scene
The Bhutan Cricket Association was formed in 2000, and became fully operational as the BCCB in 2002 with financial support from the Asian Cricket Council.
Bhutan’s first international tournament was the ACC Emerging Nations Tournament in Kathmandu, Nepal in spring 2003. Soon afterwards, a much-improved senior team participated in a second ACC Emerging Nations Tournament in Nepal in late 2003.
Bhutan’s results have steadily improved. Under the guidance of coach Baba Sourjah, Bhutan registered its first international victory over Iran in the Asian Cricket Council Trophy, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in July 2004, rising to a ranking in the top 8 of the 15 non-Test playing nations in Asia. Bhutan racked up its second victory over Brunei during the Emerging Teams Trophy in Bangkok in February 2005.
At the junior level, Bhutan’s under-17s made their international debut during the Junior Asia Cup in Chennai in January 2004.
Bhutan played its first international home international cricket match at historic Changlimithang Stadium on 1 November 2005 against the Guild Cricket Club from Australia.
Bhutan under-17s will participate in the Junior Asia Cup in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in August 2005, and the senior team will play in the Emerging Nations Tournament in Bangkok, Thailand in February 2006.
In June 2006, Bhutan Senior National Team Participated in the ACC Trophy held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia,Bhutan Lost three game against Nepal, Hongkong and Kuwait but won a consolation from Myanmar.
Bhutan under-15 Team during ACC U-15 Challenge Cup 2006, held in Thailand saw the young team huge success by reaching final on way beating Thailand, Maldives and Brunei, Though they lost in the final berth against Oman, Bhutanese Team were presented with the coveted “Spirit of the Cricket” award for overall discipline and spirit shown on and off the field, their dream success push Bhutan into Elite Division of the net ACC U-15 Tournament, which was a great achievement.
The Domestic Scene
The BCCB has organized a series of eleven-a-side and Super Sixes domestic tournaments since 2002, including school tournaments.
Once a suitable playing ground is available, the BCCB plans to grow the number of domestic tournaments to meet the increasing demands of Bhutan’s cricketers.
In 2005/2006 season, Bhutan cricket organized “Super 8″ and “Zimdra Vanaspati cup” along with Under-15 School Tournament for Thimphu District, Bhutan Cricket with the help of senior players studying in Kanglung organised “Kanglung Open”, Bhutan Cricket plan to have more Domestic Tournament and school tournament starting from year 2007.