Rinzing Namgyal Bhutia, Honorary Secretary of the Sikkim Cricket Association, has been appointed as Match Observer for the second One Day International (ODI) of the ongoing India–New Zealand series. The match was held in Rajkot on January 14 as part of the three-match ODI series sponsored by IDFC First Bank.
The appointment was made by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), marking another important milestone for Bhutia and for cricket administration from Sikkim. This is the second time that Bhutia has been given the responsibility of Match Observer by the BCCI. Earlier, he served in the same role during the India versus England T20 International match held in Chennai in January 2025.
Officials of the Sikkim Cricket Association welcomed the decision and congratulated Bhutia for earning the trust of the country’s top cricket body once again. The association also thanked the BCCI for continuing to recognise officials from Sikkim and the Northeast, calling it a positive sign for the growth of the sport in the region.
Reacting to the appointment, Bhutia expressed his gratitude to former BCCI Secretary and current ICC Chairman Jay Shah for his leadership and guidance. He also thanked BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia, IPL Governing Council member M. Khairul Majumdar, and the North East Cricket Development Committee for placing their confidence in him.
Bhutia said the recognition was not just a personal achievement but a proud moment for Sikkim and the entire Northeast. He stressed that hard work, honesty and discipline are essential for success, and urged young people to stay focused and committed to their goals.
He also conveyed his thanks to Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, State Youth President Lakpa Moktan, members of the North East Cricket Development Council, the Sikkim Cricket Association, and his family and friends for their continued support.
Bhutia has had a long association with cricket, both as a player and an administrator. He represented Sikkim in the under-16 and under-19 categories and was part of the state’s first Ranji Trophy team and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy squad. In 2000, he co-founded a local cricket club in his hometown, which remains active in SCA tournaments. He later served as President of the North District Cricket Committee before taking charge as Honorary Secretary of the Sikkim Cricket Association.