The Assam cricket community is mourning the loss of Naba Kamal Bhuyan, a former Assam cricketer whose contributions shaped the earliest phase of the state’s cricketing history. Bhuyan passed away in Chennai on Saturday morning, December 20, at the age of 98, bringing to a close a remarkable chapter that coincided with the dawn of organised cricket in Assam.
Bhuyan holds a unique and enduring place in Assam’s sporting narrative. He was a member of the Assam team that made its historic debut in the Ranji Trophy in 1948, a milestone that formally introduced the state to India’s premier domestic cricket competition. In that inaugural match, Bhuyan etched his name into the record books by scoring Assam’s first-ever run in the Ranji Trophy, a symbolic moment that marked the beginning of the state’s journey in elite domestic cricket.
Playing in the years immediately after Independence, Bhuyan belonged to a generation of cricketers who built the foundations of competitive cricket in Assam under challenging conditions. With limited infrastructure, minimal resources and little institutional support, the sport depended largely on personal dedication and passion. Through the commitment of pioneers like Bhuyan, Assam cricket gradually developed structure, identity and credibility on the national stage.
Even after stepping away from active cricket, Bhuyan remained closely connected to the game’s growth in the state. He witnessed the formative years of the Assam Cricket Association and continued to offer support, guidance and perspective as the sport evolved across decades, serving as a living bridge between Assam’s cricketing past and present.
His passing represents more than the loss of a former player; it marks the departure of one of the last direct links to Assam’s cricketing origins. Bhuyan’s life reflects the struggles, achievements and aspirations that defined the early years of the sport in the state, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to inspire future generations.
The Assam Cricket Association expressed deep grief over his demise and extended condolences to his family and loved ones. Describing him as a towering figure in Assam cricket, the association said his contributions would be remembered with lasting respect and pride.
