From Bhutan to the Select Asia XI
A Cricketing Dream of 2004
Some opportunities in life stay with you forever. Being selected for the Select Asia Under-17 XI for the 2004 tour of India was one such moment in my cricketing journey — a memory that I will always cherish.
My cricketing journey began in 1999, inspired by the game, its great players, and the dream of representing my country. To progress from being a young cricket enthusiast to representing Bhutan at the youth international level was already special. But being part of a selected Asian Under-17 touring squad was an experience that made that journey even more meaningful.
The tour took place in India in January 2004, bringing together young cricketers in a programme designed to provide exposure and experience beyond their own national teams. For a young player from Bhutan, the opportunity to be part of such a group was a valuable learning experience — one that broadened my understanding of the game and strengthened my determination to keep improving.
One of the most memorable aspects of this chapter was its association with Roger Binny, the Indian cricketing great and a member of India's historic 1983 Cricket World Cup-winning team. Binny was a key contributor to India's World Cup triumph, finishing as the tournament's leading wicket-taker. The opportunity to be connected with a cricketing programme associated with such an accomplished figure made the experience particularly special. The precise coaching and management roles for this specific tour are still details I would like to establish fully from the historical records.
Looking back, this period also reminds me of the importance of international exposure in developing young cricketers. Talent grows through competition, but character and perspective develop through experiences, mentorship, discipline, and learning from people who have walked the path before you.
For me, the Select Asia XI experience was more than a tour of India. It was a milestone in a journey that began with a simple love for cricket and eventually led to representing Bhutan at senior men's level, contributing to the game as a commentator, and serving Bhutan Cricket in governance.
I have kept a photograph from that tour as a reminder of those early days — of the young cricketer I was, the opportunities that shaped me, and the game that has given me so much throughout my life.
From a young boy inspired by cricket in 1999 to representing Bhutan and being part of the Select Asia Under-17 journey in 2004, this remains a chapter I look back on with immense gratitude and pride.
Cricket has never been just a game to me. It has been a teacher, an opportunity, and a lifelong journey. 🏏🇧🇹
Historical note: The Select Asia Under-17 tour of India in January 2004 is documented in the Asian Cricket Council's archived development programme, and the surviving team photograph is captioned “Select Asia Under-17 — Tour of India-2004.” Roger Binny's specific role on this tour should be confirmed before it is described as a formal coaching appointment.
