"It's time for me to open a new chapter" - Mandeep Singh ends his association with Punjab and joins Tripura

Published - 10 Aug 2024, 04:56 PM | Updated - 24 Aug 2024, 07:34 AM

Mandeep Singh
Mandeep Singh (Image Credits: Twitter)

Veteran batter Mandeep Singh has officially ended his 14-year association with Punjab ahead of the upcoming 2024–25 domestic season. Mandeep Singh announced that he will represent the Tripura team in the upcoming domestic season, which is scheduled to begin with the Duleep Trophy next month.

He debuted for Punjab in the 2010-11 Ranji Trophy season and then became a key player. The batter has scored over 14,000 runs with 19 centuries and 81 fifties. Mandeep captained Punjab to victory in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2023. He scored 167 runs in eight innings with a strike rate of 138.01 in the series.

Have Had The Most Amazing Journey At PCA - Mandeep Singh

Mandeep took to X (formerly Twitter) to announce his departure from Punjab. He described his time with the Punjab Cricket Association as an amazing journey. Mandeep Singh thanked key figures such as Dilsher Khanna, Yuvraj Singh, Harbhajan Singh, and the PCA staff for their support throughout his career.

“I have had the most amazing journey at PCA from junior level all the way to senior level whilst also having the best fortune of being the Winning Captain of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy for 2023-2024,” wrote Mandeep in a statement on his social media account.

“I want to extend my appreciation to Dilsher Khanna, secretary of PCA, Yuvraj Singh and Harbhajan Singh, for their constant support through out the years. I would also like to thank the members of PCA Management and to the staff that have been by my side over the years,” he added.

The right-handed batter played three ODIs for India in 2016 and 87 runs. He scored an unbeaten 52 against Zimbabwe. Mandeep Singh represented four franchises in the Indian Premier League (IPL), and his most recent stint was with the Kolkata Knight Riders in 2023.

It's Time For Me To Open A New Chapter In My Career - Mandeep Singh

Mandeep will join Tripura as a professional player. Singh will fill the role previously held by Wriddhiman Saha, who recently returned to Bengal after two seasons with Tripura.

The 32-year-old stated that it's the right time to start a new chapter in his career after careful consideration. He expressed excitement about joining Tripura for the upcoming domestic season and added that he is looking forward to new milestones and achievements with the team.

“However, after a lot of deliberation, I think it's time for me to open a new chapter in my career. I have decided that now is the right time to go ahead and play cricket for Tripura in the upcoming domestic season. I am excited for the new beginnings at Tripura and to celebrate the many milestones and achievements that are yet to come," Mandeep concluded.

Jiwanjot Singh also signed Tripura as a professional player for the upcoming domestic season. Singh previously played for Uttarakhand and Chhattisgarh. PV Shashikanth, who was the former head coach of the Karnataka team, will join Tripura as the new head coach.

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