The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has appointed Rinzing Namgyal Bhutia, Honorary Secretary of the Sikkim Cricket Association (SCA), as Match Observer for the second One Day International (ODI) of the ongoing three-match India–New Zealand series. The match was played in Rajkot on January 14.
This is the second time Bhutia has been given the responsibility of Match Observer by the BCCI. Earlier, he officiated in the same role during the India vs England T20 International held in Chennai in January 2025.
The Sikkim Cricket Association congratulated Bhutia on his appointment and thanked the BCCI for continuing to repose faith in cricket administrators and officials from Sikkim.
Reacting to the appointment, Bhutia expressed his gratitude to former BCCI Secretary and current ICC Chairman Jay Shah for his leadership in strengthening India’s standing in world cricket. He also thanked BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia, IPL Governing Council member M Khairul Majumdar, and the North East Cricket Development Committee for their continued support and confidence.
Bhutia said the recognition was not just a personal milestone but a matter of pride for the youth of Sikkim and the Northeast. He stressed that hard work, honesty and dedication remain the foundation for success, and urged young people to stay committed and self-reliant.
He also conveyed special thanks to Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang (Golay), State Youth President Lakpa Moktan, members of the North East Cricket Development Council and the Sikkim Cricket Association. Bhutia further acknowledged the encouragement he has received from his family and friends over the years.
Bhutia has been associated with cricket both as a player and an administrator. He represented Sikkim at the U-16 and U-19 levels and was part of the state’s maiden Ranji Trophy team as well as the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy squad. In 2000, he co-founded a local cricket club in his hometown, which continues to participate 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.